Drug take-back day Oct. 26

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alystria Maurer
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen, families and Department of Defense cardholders will have an opportunity to dispose of expired or unneeded medications during the National Take-Back Day at the Commissary, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during a drug take-back day.

Take-back days are done twice a year and are designed to give individuals an opportunity to get rid of any controlled or uncontrolled substances in a safe manner, preventing harm to the environment as well as possibly their career.

"Illicit drug use increased from 5 to 12 percent in the military from 2005 to 2008," said Capt. Richard Boyd, 28th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy element chief who cited a release from The White House. "This increase is primarily due to the use of prescription drugs."

The substances will be sealed in boxes and sent the same day to the Drug Enforcement Agency to be incinerated, helping to eliminate contamination in water due to medications being disposed of improperly.

"This is a safe and anonymous way for people to get rid of their medications," said Boyd.

In many cases, Airmen have received punishment for failing drug tests due to the use of expired prescription drugs.

He added that it is important for everyone to know and understand that they should not keep medications if they don't use them.

"For example, if someone is prescribed a pain killer for an injury, don't keep them and take it later for another injury. This can cause problems during random urinalysis tests and isn't simply safe," said Boyd.

Master Sgt. Steven Burns, 28th Medical Operations Squadron drug demand reduction program manager verified his concerns by adding that he has seen many careers end over something that is easily preventable.

"If Airmen use a medication for an issue and have leftovers, it is illegal to use it later and they will get caught," said Burns.

Airmen don't have to wait for designated days to get rid of their unneeded medications. The 28th Medical Group has a drug collection unit located in the main lobby for use during duty hours throughout the year for any uncontrolled substances.

If members have any controlled substances to dispose of, it must be taken to the National Take-Back Day or to the Rapid City Public Safety Building at anytime of the year. Members can identify a controlled substance by a label on the medication with the letter "C".

For more information, call (605) 385-3250 or the DEA at (800) 882-9539, or visit www.dea.gov.