Base officials collect expired, unused prescription drugs

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Every day, on average, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

It is because of abuses like this that the 31st Medical Group Pharmacy is teaming up with several other key base organizations to host "Drug Take Back Day" April 28, during which people can drop off their expired, unused or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications for disposal in front of The Exchange.

"Last year, Air Force pharmacies dispensed more than 15 million prescriptions to our beneficiaries," said Maj. Jeff Andreoli, 31st MDG Pharmacy flight commander. "Unfortunately, as a result of changing health conditions, drug allergies or adverse drug reactions, our beneficiaries end up with partially used prescriptions filling their medicine cabinets. By disposing of these items at this event, our homes and community will be a safer place."

This is the fourth time the national DEA initiative is being implemented and the first time Aviano AB is participating. Teaming up with the 31st MDG Pharmacy at the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is the 31st Security Forces Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing Integrated Delivery System and Adolescent Substance Abuse Counseling Service.

Individuals considering dropping off prescription drugs, should rest assured that while there will be a security forces presence at the event, it is solely for the purpose of acting as a control authority for controlled substances that may be turned in such as percocets or vicodin.

"There will be no repercussions for individuals turning in prescription medications at the event," said David Dittmer, 31st SFS investigations section. "In fact, we encourage everyone who has expired or unused medications to turn them in - no questions asked."

For those who are unable to drop off their old or excess prescription drugs at the event, there are other environmentally safe means of disposing of these medications.

Most Italian pharmacies, known as "Farmacia," have disposal bins located within the building that read "Farmaci Scaduti." Many towns also accept expired or unused medications at their ecological platform. Residents may reference their city recycling guide at www.aviano.af.mil/library/recycling.asp to see if their ecological platform accepts medications.

"The main thing is to not flush drugs down the toilet," said Gabriele Scandola, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron environmental specialist, "as this is very bad for the environment."

Scandola explained that flushing drugs results in the possibility of contaminating sewer lines and septic systems, which could ultimately negatively impact aquifers and even contaminate potable water.

"It is important that people do the right thing and dispose of their medications properly," he said. "This is a serious matter in Italy as it is part of its recycling program."

For more information about Drug Take Back Day, call the 31st MDG Pharmacy at DSN 632-5214.