Falls Church Academy pharmacy students recently visited the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Museum to learn the history of prescription and illicit drugs and to see the historical impact of drugs and their present impact on society.

In addition, a DEA agent spoke to the students about the dangers of his job as an undercover agent.

Pharmacy students also participated in the DEA’s National Drug Take-Back Day at the Mason District Police Station as part of their HOSA (future health professionals) service learning component. The students helped local law enforcement and fire professionals educate the public about proper prescription drug use, abuse, and disposal by making posters with information about prescription drug dangers, passing out literature, and speaking with citizens.

At George Mason District, it was estimated that four bags per hour of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs were collected, resulting in a day’s total of 15 – 18 bags.