Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is a serious health threat, and a threat to Fleet readiness. The U.S. Navy is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 30.

The event offers Navy personnel and their families a safe venue to turn in expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to a local drop-off site anonymously and free of charge.

Through Take-Back Days, Navy personnel can take a proactive role in preventing the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs.

"When prescription medications fall into the wrong hands, they have serious health and career consequences," said LaNorfeia Parker, deputy director of the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Office. "Take-Back Day should be an all-hands event, where we each have the chance to protect our Sailors and their families."

Sailors can find information about whether their military treatment facilities (MTFs) are participating by contacting the hospitals directly. While participation at MTFs is encouraged, Sailors and their family members can also drop off unused or expired medications at participating sites in their local communities. Collection sites in local communities can be found by visiting the DEA's Office of Diversion Control and searching for local collector locations.

Local law enforcement, military security, and MTF staff can support this DEA initiative by hosting a Take-Back program on base or in their local community.

To identify the appropriate DEA point of contact to help you host a Take-Back day in your area, visit https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/SEARCH-NTBI/

In addition to this event, the Prescription for Discharge website provides tips for all Navy personnel on the safe and proper use of prescription drugs, as well as offers materials for distribution and display at Navy medical clinics, pharmacies, waiting rooms, barracks, etc. The website also provides resources for Navy leadership, medical personnel, and drug abuse prevention personnel to present at safety stand downs, briefings, or community health fairs.

Sailors can also watch and share videos from the Prescription for Discharge campaign on YouTube. The Prescription for Discharge training video details the warning signs and facts about prescription drug misuse in the Navy. The Public Service Announcement "Flooding the Brain" describes how prescription drug misuse and abuse overwhelms normal brain chemical levels, while "Toxic Agents" explains the dangers of chemical build up and overload caused by prescription drug misuse and abuse.

"Please take part in this important event to help rid our Navy communities of unused or expired medications before they get into the wrong hands," said Parker. "And encourage your shipmates to do the same!"

For more information, visit http://www.nadap.navy.mil.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit http://www.navy.mil/.