Red Ribbon week offers Airmen ‘amnesty’

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell's fourth annual Prescription Drug Amnesty Turn -In took place at Oct. 25 and 26, 2011, at the base commissary and the old golf course clubhouse.

The turn-in event was part of Red Ribbon Week, the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program. The Defense Department's 2011 Red Ribbon Week's observation began Oct. 24 and will end Oct. 31.

The turn-in is a multi-agency event geared toward reducing the temptation to abuse prescription drugs, said Lisa Bowser, McConnell Drug Demand Reduction Program manager.

While the 2008 Department of Defense Health Behavior Survey reveals general reductions in tobacco and illicit drug use, it reported increases in other areas, such as prescription drug abuse and heavy alcohol use. In fact, prescription drug abuse doubled among U.S. military personnel from 2002 to 2005 and almost tripled between 2005 and 2008.

"Prescription drug abuse is rampant across the nation; that is why the DEA [Drug Enforcement Administration] sponsors turn-in day," said Bowser. "The goal is reducing prescriptions drug abuse, and to help reduce the temptation to abuse them, protecting both military members and our kids."

The turn-in was confidential for all participants, as no names were recorded and it was also beneficial to the environment, as the prescriptions will be disposed safely by the Office of Special Investigations, said Special Agent Jason Marquardt, OSI Detachment 321, superintendent.

The amount of prescriptions turned in was 300 percent higher than in past years.

Though the turn in was focused on prescription drugs, McConnell members are also invited to attend other events throughout Red Ribbon Week that focus on drug prevention, including the magic of Mr. Jim 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the base theater. Mr. Jim will use his "magic" to provide an entertaining message about making responsible choices. The magic will continue for children ages 8 to 15 who are invited to learn basic juggling and magic tricks while also learning about drug prevention 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 29 at the School Age Program, Building 2704.

McConnell's Chapel will also host a free family program beginning at 7 p.m. Oct. 28, and a community potluck beginning at 12:15 p.m. Oct. 30 at the chapel annex that will educate McConnell families about drug prevention.

Events like those held during Red Ribbon are one more way McConnell can educate its members about how to make the right decision, especially in a service where drugs are not tolerated, said Marquardt