Take back the drugs

Two Tyndall units are helping a federal agency on a national campaign to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted drugs starting Sept. 22 through Sept. 27.  

The 325th Medical Group Pharmacy and 325th Security Forces Squadron will be available to take medications at two separate locations during the week.

The first event is at the 325th MDG main entrance foyer from Sept. 22 to 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The next event will be at the Base Exchange concession area Sept. 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Both units are helping out the national event ran by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"The only real opportunities we have to take medications back are during these types of events." said Master Sgt. John E. Novak, 325th MDG pharmacy flight chief. "This event gives our patients a safe and convenient way to turn in their expired, used and unwanted medications, as well as, giving us an opportunity to educate our patients on the proper disposal of their medications."

Tyndall has been doing this since 2010 to give people a chance to dispose medication properly. With every year, Tyndall has improved in the amount of drugs collected.

"Our main goal is for the safety of our patients, this drug take back helps that initiative by removing these medications from their homes," Novak said. "We've gotten a little better every year at collecting drugs. In 2012, we received approximately 156lbs of medication and last year we got over 170lbs. This year we hope to hit 200lbs."

Once all the drugs are weighed, the 325th SFS will take and secure them.

"Since the event has to do with drugs, it is a law enforcement initiative, and we will be present at the event," said Capt.  Tate Grogan, 325th Security Forces operations officer. "Every day we will be storing and guarding the drugs, then give them on to the DEA where they would then dispose of them."

This event shows how Tyndall works with civilian and federal agencies on national campaigns, Grogan added.

"I think the event is beneficial for the base because people can get rid of drugs that are just sitting around, even if they don't know what the drugs are," Grogan said. "It prevents children from getting the drugs and potentially harming their health."

This event is also helping people be more aware of how to properly dispose of their medication when events like this are not going on.

"We have patients come in all the time asking where they can get rid of their medications," Novak said. "I think it is a worthwhile event and hopefully our patients can take advantage of it."