Kirtland to collect unwanted medications during 'Take-Back Day'

  • Published
  • By 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Team Kirtland members who have unused or expired medications will have an opportunity to get rid of them safely this month.

The semiannual Drug Enforcement Agency National Prescription Take-Back Day is scheduled Sept. 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days at the Kirtland Exchange south entrance.

Take-Back Day is a joint effort of the DEA and 377th Security Forces Squadron that enables the general public to safely dispose of unused, expired medications . People are encouraged to clean out medicine cabinets of prescription and over-the-counter medicines and dispose of items past their 30-day mark. No questions will be asked, no information will be taken and no identification will be required.

"By taking advantage of this program, participants will be able to assist in keeping these potentially harmful chemicals out of our local water source as well as keeping their home safe from accidental use of these substances," said event organizer Senior Airman Jacob Mercurio, 377th Security Forces Group.

Mercurio said all types of medications will be accepted, including those in pill, powder or liquid form, both prescription and over the counter. Syringes and medical devices, such as catheters, will not be accepted, and participants should remove labels from containers so their personally identifiable information will remain safe.

All donated medications will be transported to an approved facility for incineration, the industry standard for safe disposal of unwanted medicines. Unsafe disposal medications by pouring them down the sink or flushing them in the toilet can cause environmental harm. Additionally, medications thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or sold illegally.

According to the DEA, the majority of teenagers who abuse prescription drugs get them from family and friends or from the home medicine cabinet; children and pets may also have access to medications, leading to accidental poisoning.

For more information about the event, call 846-7169. For more information on prescription drug abuse, visit http://www.dea.org.