Team Holloman to host drug take back day

  • Published
  • By Airman Leah Ferrante
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Medical Group, 49th Security Forces Squadron and the Drug Demand Reduction office are teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host a drug-take back day Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shoppette, exchange and commissary.

Team Holloman members can bring unused and unwanted medicine, vitamins and prescription and non-prescription drugs with no questions asked to any of the three drop-off locations.

"In my motherly opinion, I believe this is an awesome opportunity to remove all the dangerous items and medications out of the homes and away from children," said Tech. Sgt. Akamie Fives, 49th Medical Support Squadron diagnostic and therapeutics flight chief. "I personally wish we could offer this opportunity more often."

Fives and other pharmacy personnel will man the three drop-off locations and answer any medication questions or concerns.

Holloman AFB hosts two drug take-back days every year. The last was in April where Team Holloman teamed up with 49 other locations participating and collected a total of 5,470 pounds of unused medication for disposal.

Team Holloman will be partnering with the DEA to help ensure the disposal of these unwanted medications to prevent ongoing with drug abuse problems in the United States.

According to DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart, "While a uniform system for prescription drug disposal is being finalized, we will continue to sponsor these important take-back opportunities as a service to our communities, our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and give our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution. These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our state, federal, local, and tribal partners and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their efforts on behalf of the American people."

The drop off will take place Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with locations at the shoppette, exchange, and commissary. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Akamie Fives at (575) 572-2596