Photo By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine | A fully loaded box truck provided by the Michigan National Guard’s Counterdrug Team...... read more read more
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When I was 16, I had my wisdom teeth removed. After a quick and routine procedure, the doctor sent me home with a prescription for Oxycodone—a startling amount. My mom was horrified when she saw over 70 pills in the bottle and immediately called the doctor’s office. “Why does a teenager need this many pills?” she asked. The response? “It’s standard practice.”
This personal experience isn’t unique. The overprescription and misuse of medications is a widespread issue, and the Michigan National Guard’s Counterdrug Team is working to address it. Among their efforts is the Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) initiative, aimed at reducing prescription drug misuse and promoting responsible medication disposal across the state.
The DDRO program, started in 2020, focuses on the safe and responsible disposal of unused medications to prevent misuse. In just four years, the program has grown significantly, helping Michigan secure a spot among the top ten states in the nation for both drug take-back participation and the total amount of medications collected.
Captain Kasey Robbins, a former police officer and now Deputy Counterdrug Coordinator for the Michigan National Guard, leads the charge. Robbins is passionate about the work his team does and the impact it has on local communities.
“Every state and territory has some kind of counterdrug program,” he explained. “But our focus in Michigan is on providing support and resources for local communities, helping them fight back against the prescription drug epidemic.”
One of the key ways the DDRO team serves communities is through their support of Drug Take Back events. These events allow residents to safely dispose of unused prescription medications, helping to prevent misuse and overdose. The Guard’s unique military resources make them an invaluable partner to local law enforcement and community organizations.
“Logistics can be a major challenge,” Robbins explained. “When you’re collecting thousands of pounds of pills at an event, you need a plan to transport and dispose of them properly. That’s where we come in.”
The Guard’s transportation capabilities and organizational expertise allows them to step in where local agencies might struggle. Their support ensures that events run smoothly and that the collected medications are disposed of safely. Over the years, the DDRO team has helped countless communities host these events, making a tangible impact in the fight against prescription drug misuse.
In addition to one-time events, the Guard has been instrumental in expanding access to year-round safe medication disposal. Red boxes—secure drop-off points—have been placed at police stations, hospitals, and other community sites across Michigan. These boxes provide a discreet and safe way for people to dispose of expired or unwanted prescriptions, reducing the risk of misuse or diversion.
For Robbins and his team, every pill collected represents a victory. “You don’t want those pills sitting around,” he said. “It’s about removing the temptation and reducing the risk.”
The Michigan National Guard’s commitment to this mission goes beyond collection efforts. The DDRO also works to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and to educate communities about the importance of safe disposal. Through partnerships with local organizations and public outreach campaigns, they’re spreading the message that everyone has a role to play in preventing misuse.
Robbins is particularly excited about the future of the program. “We’re exploring new ways to help even more,” he said. “The Take Back events are just one way that we’re able to get out into the community. We’re starting to work on other initiatives that we hope will make an even bigger impact.”
The team is also developing metrics to better measure the program’s success. By tracking reductions in overdoses and prescription misuse, they hope to demonstrate the tangible impact of their efforts and identify areas where they can improve.
For families dealing with the loss of a loved one or leftover medications from surgery, the program provides a sense of relief. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about protecting people and saving lives.
“Every pill we collect is one less that could cause harm,” Robbins says. “And that’s a mission worth fighting for.”
The Michigan National Guard’s Counterdrug Team exemplifies the Guard’s commitment to service and community. Their efforts highlight how actions like safely disposing of unused medications can make a meaningful difference. As the team continues to expand its initiatives, one thing remains constant: their dedication to protecting Michigan’s communities and improving lives.
| Date Taken: | 12.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2024 06:06 |
| Story ID: | 487534 |
| Location: | LANSING, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The Fight Against Prescription Drug Misuse, by 2LT Paige Bodine, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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