Saturday: Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- To help prevent abuse and theft of medication, the Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Sheriff's Office are holding Drug Take Back events today (Saturday, Oct. 22), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three locations:

• The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray at 2204 Mt. Vernon Ave.,
• Police Headquarters at 3600 Wheeler Ave.
• First Baptist Church at 2932 King St.

Officers and deputies, with assistance from the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria and Alexandria Renew Enterprises, will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs and other medications. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

The Drug Take Back initiative addresses a critical public safety and public health issue. People may not be aware that medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Many people do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicines, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards. Drug Take Back events provide the public with a convenient and secure way to safely dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted medications.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a national initiative taking place 4,700 collection sites nationwide, operated by 3,800 local law enforcement agencies and other community partners.

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