FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 12, 2016) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Fort Benning Main Exchange off Marne Road, near the Main Entrance. The event is an opportunity for community members to dispose of any accumulated, unwanted, or expired medications.
The DEA sponsors the initiative twice a year in an effort to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way of disposing of unwanted or expired drugs, while educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Capt. Jason Cha, chief, pharmacy support & supply at Martin Army Community Hospital, said "the United States Army Medical Department Activity, the Army Substance Abuse Program, and the Fort Benning Provost Marshal's Office work together each year to collect prescription drugs and offer general information to the public during the event."
"This event gives us the opportunity to protect our Families and the environment by properly disposing of unwanted and expired medications," said Cha. "The rate of prescription drug abuse is alarmingly high and many individuals abusing medications get them from a family member or friend, and often without their knowledge. Disposing of medications by flushing them or throwing them in the trash can pollute our water and the environment."
Only solid medications can be brought to the collection site. Large volume of liquids, needles, or other sharps will not be accepted.
"The amount of public awareness shared increases at each event and we will continue to educate the community to safely dispose, or turn in, their unused and expired medications," said Cha.
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 762-408-2165, or visit www.dea.gov.
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