Turn in expired, unused drugs Published April 23, 2013 By Airman Jessica Keith 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Medical Group and 17th Security Forces Squadron have teamed up to host the annual Drug Take-Back event, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the Base Exchange. "Base personnel, especially students are highly encouraged to take this opportunity to dispose of their unused prescription drugs," said Capt. Jin Kim, 17th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Flight Commander. "It's easy to forget about the medicine, but it can get you in a lot of trouble." This free event is part of an ongoing Drug Enforcement Agency national initiative and is completely anonymous. All base personnel are invited to bring their expired medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, for disposal in a safe, environmentally friendly and legal manner. "Medicines that languish at home are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse," said Kim. "By turning them in, you protect yourself, your family and the environment." Studies show a large amount of prescription drug abusers obtain some of their drugs from unknowing family and friends. There is also evidence that the common means of disposing of prescription drugs, such as throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet, may create health and safety hazards. By using the Drug Take-Back to dispose of unused, expired or unneeded drugs, these issues are sometimes prevented. This is the sixth National Drug Take-Back event. Previous events have yielded a combined total of more than 2 million pounds of pills safely disposed of. "This is a great opportunity to dispose of unused medicine, in a safe manner without retribution, especially for students who are just starting their careers to avoid getting in trouble," said Senior Airman Mark Riley, 17th Security Forces Squadron. "Hopefully we get a great turnout to get the unused medicine off the base and out of the community."
