National Prescription Take Back Day returns

By ANIESA HOLMESOctober 23, 2013

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 23, 2013) -- Fort Benning is one of thousands of locations across the country participating in the sixth National Prescription Take Back Day.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors the initiative twice a year in an effort to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way of disposing of unused prescription drugs, while educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

The community can help by turning in unused or expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Fort Benning Exchange, just outside of the main entrance.

Oskar Schlomer, prevention coordinator for the Army Substance Abuse Program, said this is the third year that Fort Benning will participate.

"We want to dispose of (unused prescriptions) properly because it keeps them out of hands of young ones," Schlomer said.

Participants are asked to remove any personal identification information from the medicine containers prior to drop off by removing the label or obliterating the information with a marker. DEA does not accept syringes or needle products. Schlomer said the event is ideal for Families preparing to relocate.

"Last year, we had 131 pounds turned into us and we hope to exceed that number this year," he said.

For more information, call 706-545-4415, 706-545-7027 or visit www.dea.gov.