Dispose of Unused Prescription Drugs at National Drug Take-Back Day, Oct. 26

October 22, 2019

For More Information, Contact:

  • Kristina Morris, unit coordinator, Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps, 276-274-0555

 

(BRISTOL, Va.) –The Virginia Department of Health, Southwest Virginia Medical Reserve Corps and local law enforcement agencies will hold no-questions-asked prescription drug disposal events at multiple locations on Saturday, October 26. Pills and patches will be accepted, but not sharp objects such as needles and syringes. The service is free, anonymous and environmentally safe. This year for the first time, you also may dispose of vaping devices, cartridges and substances.

Environmentally safe drug deactivation and disposal bags also will be available by request, for those who wish to safely dispose of drugs still at home.

The events are part of the 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, to remove opioids and other medications from homes and locations where they are susceptible to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens.

Local take back events and locations include the following (other locations may be available, see below):

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

  • Food City in Weber City, Pennington Gap, Big Stone Gap, Wise, Coeburn and St. Paul;
  • Woody’s Pharmacy in Independence; and
  • CVS in Norton.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

  • Food City in Bristol (Virginia), Abingdon, Marion and Lebanon;
  • The Caboose in Damascus;
  • Glade Spring Pharmacy and New Garden Pharmacy in Honaker; and
  • Chilhowie Pharmacy, Kroger and Michael’s Pharmacy in Abingdon.

Local partners include the Galax Police Department; Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, Damascus Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Bristol Police Department, Weber City Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Wise Police Department, Big Stone Gap Police Department, Coeburn Police Department, St. Paul Police Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office and Frontier Health.

In 10 years of drug take back events, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has collected a total of more than 11 million pounds (almost 6,000 tons) of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events. This year, more than 4,500 registered law enforcement partners will assist with more than 5,250 registered sites and 135 tribal locations across the country.

For more information, including a site locator, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov.