BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 460th Security Forces Squadron and the Drug Enforcement Agency are scheduled to host the DEA National Take Back Initiative Oct. 22, at the Buckley Air Force Base Commissary.
The event was originally brought to Buckley AFB in 2010 to promote the disposal of unused or expired prescribed medication.
“Proper drug disposal decreases the chance of accidental and intentional drug misuse and reduces the amount of medication that gets into the environment,” stated Capt. Bruce Abbott, 460th Medical Group pharmacy element chief.
This month’s initiative will be the ninth within the past six years. In the past, Team Buckley has shown tremendous success with disposing unused medication. Overall, Buckley AFB collected more than 1,200 pounds of medication for safe disposal by the DEA.
The DEA National Take Back Initiative is completely anonymous and all efforts will be made to protect the anonymity of individuals disposing of medications.
“Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box,” stated Paul Christinson, 460th SFS chief of investigations and intelligence.
All solid pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers are accepted; however, liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.
Intra-venous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.
For further information or any questions, please contact the 460th SFS at (720) 847-9362