Take Back Day to collect unused prescription drugs

  • Published
  • By 23rd Medical Group
  • Pharmacy
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Oct. 29, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a venue for people who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

The only local participating pharmacy is:
Barnes Healthcare Services: 200 S. Patterson St., Valdosta
229-245-6039

This day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

The DEA, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, previously conducted National Prescription Drug Take Back Days on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, and April 25, 2011.

Nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation participated in these events, collecting more than 309 tons of pills.

Four days after last fall's Take Back Day, Congress passed legislation amending the Controlled Substances Act to allow the DEA to develop a process for people to safely dispose of their prescription drugs.

The DEA immediately began developing this process after President Obama signed the Safe and Secure Drug Disposal Act of 2010 on Oct. 12, 2010. Until that process is complete, the DEA will continue to hold Take Back Days every six months.