National Prescription Take Back Day nets half ton of medications at Army installations in U.S.

By IMCOM Public AffairsJune 20, 2011

National Prescription Take Back Day
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Installation Management Command and installations across the United States partnered with the U.S. Army Medical Command, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies April 30 to support the National Prescription Take Back day.

The Army’s efforts led to the collection of more than 1,150 pounds of unused and/or expired medications at 39 sites at 27 Army installations. The Army’s efforts contributed to the overall DEA National Prescription Take Back Day program, which netted more than 376,593 pounds (188 tons) of medications at the 5,361 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states. This is 55 percent more than the 242,000 pounds (121 tons) the public brought in during last September’s event.

“This is the first opportunity for IMCOM to partner with MEDCOM, DEA, and local community law enforcement agencies making the National Prescription Take Back Day successful across CONUS Garrisons,” said Linda Martinez, action officer, Army Substance Abuse Program, Headquarters, IMCOM. “This provided safe disposal of unwanted, expired and unused prescription drugs which resulted in the prevention of potentially dangerous scenarios.

“Getting these medications off the street helps make our installation communities a safer place to live and work," she added. “IMCOM is proud to have led the way in demonstrating our commitment to a drug-free community.”

The event offered an opportunity for military families and local community members to dispose of old or unused medications in an anonymous and safe manner.

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, according to DEA. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are high - more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

“The amount of prescription drugs turned in by the American public during the first two Take-Back events is simply staggering"309 tons"and represents a clear need for a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “DEA is hard at work establishing a drug disposal process and will continue to offer take-back opportunities until the proper regulations are in place.

“With the support and hard work of our local law enforcement and community partners, these events have not only dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, but have also increased awareness of this critical public health issue,” said Leonhart.

“Responding to our Nation’s prescription drug abuse epidemic requires a sustained effort from government, the private sector, the medical community, as well as families and individuals,” said Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy. “The unprecedented amount of prescription drugs turned in by citizens … will keep dangerous, addictive drugs from being abused. I commend the DEA for its successful nationwide prescription drug take-back day and for their work to make it easier for communities to stay healthy, while safeguarding the environment.”

For more information about the National Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA Web site at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.