Health Services, in conjunction with the UCF Police Department, hosted the first on-campus Drug Take Back event on October 27. The event was to educate the UCF community on proper drug disposal, and offer a convenient way to dispose of medicines for free. Practicing proper drug disposal protects our nation’s waterways, as well as helps to keep the substances out of the hands of abusers.
The event was well utilized, with a total of 31.5 pounds of medicines collected.
“We were very pleased with the turnout being this was our first time hosting a take back event,” said Megan Pabian, coordinator of Public Relations and Community Affairs for Health Services. “At the very least, we have planted a seed in the minds of students, faculty and staff to question the way in which they dispose of their medicines. Next time we do this, I would expect an even better turnout.”
The event has the potential to be hosted on campus about every six months thanks to a national take back program administered by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This was the third time the DEA hosted the event. Over the course of their last two events, more than 309 tons of medicines were collected across the nation. Until new regulations are in place that provide readily available drop off locations throughout the year, local law enforcement agencies like UCF Police and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take back events every few months.
Health Services is an office in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.