Many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medications. This issue often results in pills being flushed down the toilet or thrown into trash cans — both can be harmful to public health and safety.
Because of this epidemic, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department will be hosting Drug TakeBack Day on July 28.
The program aims to address not only vital public safety and public health issues but 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 environmental waste.
The service is free and anonymous.
You can drop off unused or expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28 at:
- The Neighborhood Pharmacy at 2204 Mount Vernon Ave.
- Police Headquarters at 3600 Wheeler Ave.
- First Baptist Church at 2932 King St.
- Fire Station 210 at 5255 Eisenhower Ave.
This free event is designed to provide citizens with a safe approach to disposing of their prescription drugs in order to prevent pill theft and abuse.
Dropping off expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs and other medications can significantly increase the safety of the disposal and destruction process that is necessary to alleviate the potential for these drugs to be used illegally. Illegal use of prescription medication poses a public health risk and heightens the chance for opioid abuse.
According to various studies, a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including places like the home medicine cabinet.
