Story Category: Defense »

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has teamed with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Naval Air Station Patuxent River to support the 2012 National Rx Take Back Initiative. This effort aims to eliminate outdated, unused and dangerous prescription drugs from our community.  On Monday, April 30th from 10am to 2pm, a collection site will be set up aboard NAS Patuxent River, located at the Naval Exchange  where the aforementioned prescription drugs can be dropped off with Security Officials and subsequently disposed of appropriately.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. It is our hope that our support of this endeavor will reduce the availability of these dangerous drugs within our community to safeguard our homes and families.