Alexandria To Host Drug Take Back Event On Saturday

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Have unwanted and expired prescription medications? You can dispose of them safely at the “Drug Take Back” event on Saturday, July 27, to prevent pill abuse and theft.

Drop off potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs and other medications for safe disposal and destruction. These drugs can be a source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety, particularly in the case of opioids, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

Officers from the Police Department will collect unwanted medications at their headquarters as part of this local Drug Take Back Day. The police and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, with cooperation from the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria, are staffing multiple drop-off sites.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at four sites in Alexandria:

• Alexandria Police Headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Ave. (Room 106 on first floor)
• Fire Station 210, 5255 Eisenhower Ave.
• First Baptist Church, 2932 King St.
• The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, 2204 Mount Vernon Ave.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing pills down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

This program also supports the goals of the Eco-City Alexandria initiative to promote a place where people can live healthier and economically productive lives while reducing their impact on the environment.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. For more information, please click here.