National Drug Take Back Day

  • Published
  • By Capt. Quan Tram
  • Eglin Pharmacy
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the U.S, killing more people than car crashes in more than one-third of the states. Federal officials reported 70 percent of people in the U.S who abuse prescription drugs such as narcotic painkillers get their supply from friends and family members. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription drug abuse is an epidemic. Approximately one person dies every 19 minutes as a result of an unintentional drug overdose, primarily involving prescription drugs.

The Eglin pharmacy, 96th Security Forces Squadron and the Drug Enforcement Agency are committed to reducing the supply of unwanted medications in the local community, especially those medications with a strong potential for misuse or abuse. That's why they've partnered up to collect expired, unused and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the satellite pharmacy parking lot.

To encourage DOD beneficiaries to dispose of medications in a safe and environmentally sound manner, security forces will offer this program, free of cost, and with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public health and public safety issue. Many Americans are unaware that medicines left in home cabinets are highly susceptible to theft, misuse and abuse. The rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at an alarming rate, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away -- both potential safety and health hazards.

Please note: ALL injectable medications and needles (ex: diabetic supplies, EpiPen, Lovenox, i.e.) will NOT be accepted during the take-back event. For more information, call 850-883-8000.