FORT BENNING, Ga., (April 23, 2014) -- In effort to encourage the proper use and disposal of prescription medications, Fort Benning will host a National Prescription Take Back Day event this weekend.
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.
Members of the community can drop off unused or expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Benning Exchange off Marne Road, just outside of the main entrance.
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.
Oskar Schlomer, prevention coordinator for the Army Substance Abuse Program, said Fort Benning has participated in the initiative for three years.
"It has grown not only on Fort Benning but across Columbus, with five others location that are participating," he said. "Last October, 86 pounds were turned in here and 131 pounds were turned in last April. That's always a positive measurement to help keep them out of the reach of young children and being potentially harmful."
Army policy establishes a six-month expiration date for the use of controlled substance prescriptions dispensed by any pharmacy to a Soldier.
For more information, call 706-545-4415, 706-545-7027 or visit www.dea.gov.
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