Grand Forks AFB to participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Published April 24, 2014 By TRICARE 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- TRICARE beneficiaries will soon have a safe and easy way to dispose of expired and unused prescription drugs. The 319th Medical Group, with support from the 319th Security Forces Squadron, will host the Drug Enforcement Agency's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event April 26, 2014, at the Base Exchange lobby, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A 2011 national survey on drug use found that Americans are twice as likely to regularly abuse prescription drugs as they are to regularly use cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants, combined. The same study found that more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, often without their knowledge. "During 2013, Grand Forks AFB held three take-back events and collected a total of 91.5 pounds of medication," said Elizabeth Nelson, 319th Medical Group healthcare team training contract patient safety manager. "This event is to provide safe disposal of medications, for people to bring excess prescription drugs that otherwise could be abused or contaminate the environment." Prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as tablets and capsules are accepted, but intravenous solutions, injectable medications and needles are not. Illegal substances like marijuana or methamphetamine are accepted. "Many people don't understand how best to dispose of their medications, and this event takes the guesswork out of the equation," said Nelson. "All collected medications will be taken to an incinerator for proper disposal." To find a collection site, click "Locate Collection Sites" at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback. (Additional Information for this story provided by Senior Airman Xavier Navarro, 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs.)