Drug Take Back Event Planned For Saturday In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Four places in Alexandria will serve as drop-off sites next drug take back day on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can anonymously drop off unused prescription drugs for free.

The Alexandria police and sheriff's departments and Office and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria will be at the following locations:

• First Baptist Church, 2932 King Street
• Police Department, 3600 Wheeler Avenue
• Fire Station 210, 5255 Eisenhower Avenue
• The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, 2204 Mount Vernon Avenue

The drug take back events are held in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration to prevent the misuse and abuse of medicines. Each year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health finds most misused and abused prescription drugs come from family and friends. Authorities caution that flushing or throwing away unused medicines can create potential safety and health hazards.

If you can't make it to the Oct. 26 event, unused pills, liquids or other medications can be taken year round to the Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray or Inova Alexandria Hospital (4320 Seminary Road, inside the visitor’s entrance and next to the cashier’s window). Locate other year-round drop-off sites on the DEA's website.

The last national drug take back event happened in April. Collection sites nationwide received 937,443 pounds of unused medications.