Drug Take Back Event Planned Saturday In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — City of Alexandria law enforcement will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Residents can safely and anonymously dispose of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications at the drop-off sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Accepted items include those prescribed by veterinarians. Needles are not accepted at drug take back events or permanent drop boxes. Face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth at all collection sites, and social distancing between households should be followed.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an initiative by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, seeks to provide a safe way to dispose of medications and educate the public about the risk of unused medications being misused, abused or stolen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 68 percent of more than 70,200 drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved opioids. In 2019, 1,671 pounds of unused medication were collected at drug take back day events and year-round drop boxes in Alexandria.

The Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff's Office will host the following sites on Oct. 24:

• 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)

Drug take back events are held twice a year in April and October. There are also permanent drop-off locations in Alexandria and safe ways of disposal at home. The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria is promoting the availability of free Deterra drug disposal pouches during the month of October. Free prescription drug deactivation kits are available at locations around Virginia.

Here are some tips for drug disposal at home:

• Check medication bottles for instructions on proper disposal.
• If no instructions are present, remove medication from its original container. Do not crush tablets or capsules.

• Mix medication with an undesirable, inedible substance, such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds.
• Place mixture in a sealable bag or container and throw away in the trash.
• Black out all personal information on the prescription label so it is unreadable.

Year-round drop boxes for medications are available at:

• The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray (2204 Mount Vernon Avenue), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Inova Alexandria Hospital (4320 Seminary Road, inside the visitor’s entrance and next to the cashier’s window), daily 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Alexandria Police Department (3600 Wheeler Aveue, inside the front entrance, ring bell for access), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Residents can also find year-round drop box options on the DEA website.