Welcome to the Alaska Safe Medicine Alliance webpage! Prescription drugs are becoming a larger and larger public health and safety concern not just for Alaska but for many states as prescription drug abuse rises, our population ages, and our physical environment becomes more and more threatened. By coming to this page you’ve taken your first step to educating yourself about the dangers of prescription misuse and mismanagement, as well as what you can do to help prevent it.  

 We applaud you for your community mindedness and concern!

We hope that this page gives you all the information you need to know about local prescription disposal efforts as well as other resources and tips for managing your medications safely and for safeguarding your home and loved ones from the dangers of misusing and mismanaging medications.   We also have a frequently asked questions guide explaining who the Alaska Safe Medicine Alliance is as well as other frequently asked questions, such as why it is important to dispose of medications at a safe disposal event.  We hope you find this page useful and recommend it to your friends, neighbors, coworkers and family. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR 2010 COALITION REPORT

Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that this page gives you all the information you need to know about local prescription disposal efforts. 

1. What is the Alaska Safe Medicine Alliance
2. Can I dispose of sharps? Liquids? Pet Medicine? Non Rx Meds? Other Drugs?
3. What happens to the meds once I drop them off?
4. Why not just flush them or wash them down the drain?
5. Is the AKSMA disposal efforts the same as the DEA’s “Got Drugs” campaign?
6. What if the meds aren’t mine?
7. Will my personal information be kept confidential?
8. How often will the disposal events be taking place?
9. How can I find a location near me?
10. Why can’t I just return my meds to my pharmacy or doctor’s office?
11. What about long term care facilities, hospice centers, assisted living, or other similar facilities?

What is the Alaska Safe Medicine Alliance?

The alliance formed after the successful pilots of prescription drug disposal events held in April and June of 2010.  It is made up of several city, borough, and state agencies, businesses, non-profits, and government entities.

Can I dispose of sharps? Liquids? Pet Medicine? Non Rx Meds? Other drugs?

Please no sharps, but all other medications can be brought in for disposal, including pet medicines and non-prescription or over the counter medications can be collected.  Other illicit drugs will not be collected for disposal and will be treated by law enforcement as they are always treated.

What Happens to the Meds once I drop them off?

They are transported by law enforcement to an EPA approved, closed incinerator for safe destruction.  This keeps medications out of the water tables and  out of the hands of drug seekers.

Why not just flush them or wash them down the drain?

Wastewater treatment processes at AWWU and other wastewater treatment facilities do not remove all medications and personal care products. Do not flush medications down the toilet or wash them down the drain so we, as a community, can continue to protect and maintain the health of our environment.

Is this the same as the DEA Got Drugs Campaign?

Yes.  We are partnering with the US DEA Take Back Initiative, a national initiative to raise awareness about safe disposal and medication abuse.

What if the meds aren’t mine?

Law enforcement officers collecting medicines will not be asking or checking.  The point of the event is to collect as many meds as possible for safe destruction.

Will my personal information be kept confidential?

Yes.  The medicines are put into an evidence bag, supervised by law enforcement and are immediately closed and transported to the incinerator for destruction.  If overly concerned about confidentiality, however, individuals can use a sharpie to black out any personal identifiers on the labels of their medicines, or use duct tape to block off the identifiers

How often will the disposal events be taking place?

The US DEA plans to host a national take back day every six months; however, locally there are plans to advocate for the service in an ongoing way such as at secure drop boxes.  In the meantime, the Alaska Safe Medicine Alliance is committed to hosting take back events with the US DEA every six months.  If you miss the disposal day, keep your eyes peeled for future events.

How can I find a location near me?

Most sites are registered on the DEA website: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/takeback/
Anchorage locations will be at the Northern Lights, Abbott, and Debarr Fred Meyer Parking lots.  Eagle River will be at the Eagle River Fred Meyer. Mat-Su will be held at the Wasilla Fred Meyer. And Soldotna will be at Soldotna Professional Pharmacy.  Fairbanks, Juneau, and Kenai will also be hosting events, and people can contact the Alaska State Troopers in any community with a trooper post for more information.

Why can’t I just return my meds to my pharmacy or doctor’s office?

DEA laws govern how controlled substances may be handled.  Many prescription drugs are considered controlled substances, especially pain medications. The laws say that once medications reach the hands of the end user (the person to whom they were prescribed), it is illegal for any other person to be in possession of them. 
Therefore, pharmacies and doctors offices or ANYONE other than law enforcement officers may not be in possession of the medications.  For the purpose of the event on 4/30/11, law enforcement officers will not be checking the medications disposed of or ask the participants for any information.  The goal is to collect as many medications as possible for safe destruction and keep these drugs out of our water, and out of the hands of drug seekers and reduce medication complications in the home.

DEA  would like to emphasize the long term care and similar/related facilities in the take back day on 4/30/11.  Care coordinators, managers, or other providers/staff are encouraged to let their residents know about how to participate.  No law enforcement entities will be asking program participants about where medications came from or other questions when they bring medications in to dispose of them.  If an LTC or other agency worker decides to bring medications in for safe disposal, it is recommended that they do so in pairs.  Contact the DEA or the Alaska State Troopers for more information, or contact Akeela Inc. at 907-565-1200 and ask for the Alaska Safe Medicine Alliance coordinator.   

Current Partners:

Akeela Inc., Seniors Behavioral Health Coalition
Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility Company
Soldotna Professional Pharmacy
Alaska State Troopers
AARP, Pat Luby
Alaska 2-1-1
United Way, Randi Sweet
Assisted Living Association of Alaska, Theresa Brisky
Marlow Manor (Theresa Brisky again)
Geneva Woods
Frontier Medical
Fred Meyer
United States Drug Enforcement Administration
Alaska Native Medical Center
Alaska Pharmacists Association
Parrish Nurses
United States Army National Guard, Counter Drug Support Program
KYES Channel 5
Anchorage Media Group
Matanuska-Susitina Borough Office of Administration
Red Ribbon Coalition/Boys and Girls Club
Target, Carrs/Safeway, wallgreens, ANMC volunteer pharmacists
Alaska Health Fairs
Anchorage Senior Activity Center
Municipality of Anchorage, office of the Mayor
Anchorage Assembly (via Resolution support)
Anchorage Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
Alaska Public Health Association (via public recognition/support of the program)
Girl Scouts of America, Alaska Chapter (volunteers, paid for volunteer trophies)
Boy Scouts of America, Alaska Chapter (Volunteers)
Fairbanks Police
Statewide Independent Living Council
Chugach Manor/Chugach View, Carol Jackson