UAA takes part in National Prescription Drug Take Back efforts April 28

Local law enforcement agencies are joining forces to ensure that prescription medications are safely and properly disposed of. As part of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to be held on April 28, the University Police Department (UPD) at UAA is partnering with the Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, Department of Health and Human Services and Drug Enforcement Administration.

UPD is collecting prescriptions medication on campus in the lobby of the Eugene Short Hall, just across from UPD's office. The MedReturn Drug Collection Unit-monitored by UPD-will be available for the campus community and the public to drop off any old or no longer needed prescription medication.

"This is an attempt to keep drugs out of our drinking water, and out of the hands of anyone not entitled to them," says Rick Shell, UPD Chief of Police. He explains that when the UAA box is full, UPD officers will weigh the drugs and dispose of them through an incineration process.

Americans that participated in the DEA's third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 29, 2011, turned in more than 377,086 pounds (188.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When the results of the three prior Take Back Days are combined, the DEA, and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of medication from circulation in the past 13 months.

UPD encourages the campus community to drop off any unneeded prescription medication at the secure box in Eugene Short Hall anytime, 24/7.

For more information on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit the program website or contact the University Police Department at (907) 786-1120.