Drug Take-Back

Pictured are all of the prescription drugs that were turned in during the April 26, 2014 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. A total of 326 pounds of medication were received from Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Laughlin AFB, Bracketville, Uvalde and Utopia. The next prescription drug take back day will be Sept. 27, 2014, here at Laughlin AFB and the Del Rio Civic Center. (Courtesy Photo)(Released)

Laughlin participates in DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Published Sept. 22, 2014
By 2nd Lt. Jhanelle Haag
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas- -- Laughlin will be participating in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Sept. 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the commissary.

The prescription drug take-back day gives base personnel an opportunity to properly dispose unused or expired medication.

"The last drug-take back day in April was a huge success. We received 50 pounds of unused and expired prescription drugs," said Capt Dekontee Traub, 47th Medical Support Squadron staff pharmacist.

According to the National Survey on Drug use and Health released in 2013, more than 54 percent of people who abuse prescription pain relievers got them through friends, relatives and from raiding the family medicine cabinet.

"We want to provide people with a safe outlet to dispose their medication," said Traub. "Environmental concerns are a big reason why people shouldn't flush their medication."

The Del Rio Civic Center will also be participating on Sept. 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

If anyone is unable to make it but still wants to safely dispose of their medication, it is recommended they destroy the pills by grinding or smashing the pills and should discard them with kitty litter or coffee grounds, explained Traub.