Friday April 26, 2013
What is it?
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, is scheduled for April 27, 2013. This was first initiated on Sept. 24, 2010, by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and provides a venue to dispose of unused/unwanted and expired prescription drugs. The U.S. Army is partnering with the DEA to support this event for the fifth time.
What has the Army done?
Participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events, the Army has collected more than 13,000 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications on installations for proper disposal since April 30, 2011.
Installations in the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii will place collection sites where all active duty, family members, civilian employees and retirees can anonymously turn in their unused, unneeded and expired prescription medications. This service is free.
Why is this important to the Army?
Many medications, particularly prescription painkillers, sit unused and unsecured in medicine cabinets, making them readily available.
The Army is committed to supporting raising public awareness of Department of Defense’s efforts to foster safe and drug-free military communities. The Army’s previous efforts contributed to the overall DEA National Prescription Take-Back Day program.
Army Installation Management Command garrisons, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Command, will support the National Prescription Take- Back Day, April 27, 2013, and will coordinate with local law enforcement officials to provide collection points with high visibility to the military community. The garrison Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) office serves as the local point of contact.
Installation Provost Marshal Offices, or Directorates of Emergency Services, will provide security at the drop off locations, as only law enforcement officials can legally collect unwanted prescription drugs at these events. The collection points will be in areas of high visibility to the military community.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The Army is committed to supporting raising public awareness of Department of Defense’s efforts to foster safe and drug-free military communities. The Army’s previous efforts contributed to the overall DEA National Prescription Take-Back Day program.
Resources:
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