Medication take-back initiative Published April 24, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Medical Group Pharmacy, 325th Security Forces Squadron and the Bay County Sheriff's Department will team up with the Drug Enforcement Administration to give the public an opportunity to prevent drug abuse by ridding expired or unused prescription drugs at the Gulf Power Parking lot on Highway 98 on April 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined. Team Tyndall members can drop off their old, expired or unused prescription drugs at the Tyndall Main Pharmacy lobby, April 23 to 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. "This is the fourth time that this national DEA initiative is being implemented and the first time that Tyndall is participating," said Captain Shamika Pryor, 325th Medical Support Squadron clinical pharmacist. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. According to DEA officials, medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse, which likely links to the alarmingly high rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States. "Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet," said Captain Pryor. "Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines--flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash--pose potential safety and health hazards." "By getting rid of these items at this event, our homes and community becomes safer and it ensures that medications are properly disposed of to minimize any impact to the environment," added Captain Pryor.