KMCC hosts Drug Take-Back Day

  • Published
  • 86th Medical Group pharmacy
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  From The 86th Medical Group pharmacy will participate in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center food court.

The event provides the public an opportunity to prevent medication abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescriptions.

For those who are unable to participate during this time the 86th MDG pharmacy offers daily disposal of prescriptions through their permanent take-back drop box located in the lobby of the pharmacy. All Army pharmacy facilities in Europe take back discontinued, unwanted or expired prescription medications for disposal during regular pharmacy business hours. These services are free and anonymous.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducts two National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days per year. Last September, Americans turned in 244 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,200 sites. This is the sixth time the 86th MDG has participated in the National Drug Take-Back initiative. Last year a total of 31 Air Force locations collectively received over 2,500 pounds of unwanted and unused medications.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, patients are now advised that their usual methods for disposal of unused medicines--flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash--both pose potential safety and health hazards.

This event ensures medications are properly disposed of, minimize impact to the environment and allows our homes and community to become safer.