La. Guard Counterdrug Program Supports Rx Take Back Day

By Spc. Duncan Foote, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

NEW ORLEANS – In an effort to prevent the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, the Louisiana National Guard partnered with the Drug Enforcement Agency and local police departments for a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event. This initiative aimed to assist the public in properly disposing of unused medication at collection sites across the State, April 27.

The LANG Counterdrug Drug Demand Reduction Outreach program collaborates with communities year-round to bolster drug prevention initiatives statewide. A key objective of the LANG CD DDRO is partnering with public safety and health authorities to mitigate addiction and overdose deaths.

“It gives us an opportunity to have our criminal analysts, aviation teams and DDRO out in the community, showing our commitment to reducing the misuse of prescription drugs,” said SMSgt. Amy Thomas, Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager. “Together with the DEA, the Louisiana National Guard Counterdrug Program pledges to make our communities safer and healthier.”

On Oct. 28, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Agency hosted it’s 25th National Take Back Day event at 4,675 collections sites across the United States. The Louisiana Counterdrug Program supported 37 of those collection sites, with 23 personnel. On that day, the DEA collected 100,706 pounds of unused medications nationally, with Louisiana contributing 4,663 pounds to that total.

“This day is also a chance for people to come get educated on drug use and misuse,” said Thomas. “We work hand in hand with our community partners that support this event with resources for prevention, addiction and education.’

The Louisiana National Guard Counterdrug Program has consistently supported this annual event for the last six years, while the DEA has been conducting this event for over 25 years.