National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Published Oct. 9, 2013 By 66th Security Forces Squadron HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Air Force Office of Special Investigations Joint Drug Enforcement Team along with the 66th Security Forces Squadron and 66th Medical Squadron Pharmacy will participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The collection is in the Army and Air Force Exchange Service lobby and will provide a safe and secure venue for anyone who would like to dispose unwanted, unused or expired prescription medication. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the sponsor of this event, has collected more than two million pounds of pills from nearly 5,000 state and local law enforcement agencies during the prior five collection events. "Hanscom has participated in the 'Take Back' for two years and has collected approximately 250 pounds," said Investigator Irasema Reed, 66th Security Forces Squadron. According to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's national survey on drug use and health, more than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs. The Partnership for a Drug Free America estimates that each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, as well as the home medicine cabinet. For questions concerning the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Hanscom, contact Reed at 781-225-5860. For a list of additional collection sites available in other communities, visit the DEA website at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.