First Drug Take Back Event Of 2023 Planned In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — Residents have the chance to turn in unwanted medications with no questions asked at the Drug Take Back Day planned by the Vienna Police Department Saturday.

Vienna Police and other law enforcement participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's Drug Take Back Day. The event seeks to remove unused and unwanted drugs from homes that could be misused or abused.

The collection event will take place at the Vienna Police Department, 215 Center Street, Vienna, VA, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Prescription medications, controlled or non-controlled substances, and over-the-counter drugs will be accepted anonymously.

Intravenous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted, although Epipens will be accepted at the collection site. Vape pens and other e-cigarette devices may be collected only after batteries are removed.

Residents may get rid of medications in their original containers or dispose of the medications directly into the collection box. Police recommend removing identifying information from prescription labels if throwing out medications in their containers. Liquid products should remain sealed in containers to prevent leaking.

The event is geared toward residents disposing of medications — not businesses, pharmacies or medical facilities disposing of medical waste.

Drug Take Back Days are held twice a year as one strategy of tackling the opioid crisis. Last year, Fairfax County launched an opioid overdoses dashboard to track opioid overdoses and deaths.

According to the dashboard, there were 63 fatal doses in 2022 through Sept. 30, which includes numbers from Fairfax County and cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Through March 31, there have been 97 non-fatal overdoses so far in 2023.

Residents can find more resources on getting help with opioid abuse or other substance abuse.