National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Published Sept. 24, 2015 By Joel Langton 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Laughlin members will have a chance to turn in their expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs as part of the Drug Enforcement Agency's National Prescription Drug Take-back Day Sept. 26, 2015 The 47th Medical Group pharmacy is leading a local effort in front of the commissary from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sept. 26 and there will be another drive taking place in front of the Del Rio Civic Center, led by the Del Rio Police Department. "This is a joint effort with the pharmacy, DEA and Security Forces," said Capt. Stephen Emmerthal, 47th Medical Group pharmacist. "Last year, we collected 56.4 pounds here and we haven't held this event for 12 months, so we're expecting a big collection." This was part of a nationwide effort where Americans disposed of more than 617,000 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription drugs at more than 5,500 sites across the country. The last eight take-back days have collected more than 4.8 million pounds of unused medication. Collection sites can accept prescription and over-the-counter "solid dosage" drugs (tablets and capsules) but intravenous solutions, injectable medications and needles are not accepted. Illegal substances such as marijuana or methamphetamines also cannot be disposed at DEA sponsored collections sites. "The presence of unused, unwanted and expired prescription drugs in American homes is a real public safety and health issue," said Dr. George Jones, chief of the Defense Health Agency Pharmacy Operation Division. "Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem, and getting these old drugs out of the home medicine cabinet reduces the chance of abuse or accidental misuse."