Oct. 26 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Published Oct. 25, 2013 FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- As part of the Drug Enforcement Agency sponsored semiannual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 26, the 55th Medical Group and 55th Security Forces Squadron will host their no-questions-asked drop-off 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic (open to the public) and at the Offutt Exchange for those with base access. Take-Back Day collection sites are an easy way to safely dispose of excess prescription drugs that might otherwise be misused or abused, or cause environmental contamination. To find a collection site other than those listed above, click the "Locate collection sites" link at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback. According to the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription drugs than the number of those who regularly used cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined. The same study revealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet. The DEA take back program addresses these vital public safety and health issues. During the Take-Back Day in April 2013, more than 742,000 pounds (371 tons) of unneeded prescription medications were collected at more than 5,800 locations. The last six DEA Take-Back days have collected more than 2.8 million pounds of prescription medications and removed them from circulation. Prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medications, i.e., tablets and capsules are accepted. Intra-venous solutions, injectable medications and needles will not be accepted. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this program.