Next Drug Take Back Day In Alexandria Is Saturday

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Do you have unused medications sitting around in your house? Well, many Americans may too and may not realize that keeping the drugs there can be dangerous. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs come from home medicine cabinets.

If want to get rid of the drugs but don't know how you're in luck. Saturday is one of Alexandria's Drug Take Back collections. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sheriff's deputies will collect unused medications in front of the Neighborhood Pharmacy (2204 Mount Vernon Avenue).

Residents can safely dispose of their medications anonymously at no cost. The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria will be there to share how to safely dispose of medication.

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There are other safe ways to throw away unused medications any other time of the year. The Food and Drug Administration warns individuals to not flush medications, unless it is stated in disposal instructions. Throwing medications in the trash is ok, as long as you follow certain steps to ensure people or animals will not accidentally encounter the drugs. Find out more information on how to dispose of medications any time in the year online.

The medication drop off is a step in addressing drug abuse has raised concerns in the community. In 2016, Virginia had 1,420 drug-related deaths, nearly 400 more than the previous year, according to a new Virginia Department of Health Report.

See more information here or call the Alexandria Sheriff's Office at 703-746-4114.

Image via Alexandria Sheriff's Office