MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Drug Enforcement Administration is conducting a one-day initiative for people to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired medications. The event is being sponsored April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The National Take Back Initiative is being observed at several police departments, universities, hospitals and military installations across America, and there are four designated locations in Valdosta, Ga.
Tricare beneficiaries are highly encouraged to participate. The DEA has provided this public safety service to reduce drug diversion, misuse and abuse as well as to discourage flushing unwanted drugs down the toilet, which ultimately contaminates our water ways and water supply.
Medications that will be accepted for turn in on April 30 include prescription and over the counter tablets and capsules. Medications that will not be accepted include intravenous (IV) solutions, injectables and needles. Also, illicit substances are not a part of this initiative.
The first National Take Back Initiative was held Sept. 25, 2010, with approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation participating.
The four Valdosta area collection sites being hosted by the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office are:
- Super Walmart, 340 Norman Drive
- Home Depot, 1825 Norman Drive
- Super Walmart, 3274 Inner Perimeter Road
- Lowe's, 1106 N. St. Augustine Road
For more information or to find a collection site, go to:
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.