The Importance of Safe Drug Disposal

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds National Drug Takeback Day twice a year. This is often called “Take Back Day.” These days are the last Saturday of April, then again in October. The purpose of Take Back Days is for people to safely dispose of their unused prescription drugs. April 26 will be the first of these two days in 2025.

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present threat to public health, public safety, and national security. Take Back Day reflects the DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health. DEA encourages Americans to remove unneeded medications and dispose of them safely. Disposing of unneeded medications prevents medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

DEA is committed to making communities safer and healthier. You can join in this commitment, too. Dispose of your unneeded medicines at and help reduce overdoses and overdose deaths.

Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. The DEA commented on last year’s event, “That’s why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in — safely and anonymously — a record amount of prescription drugs.”¹

Past Participation

In April 2024, a total of 4,607 law enforcement agencies in the U.S. participated in Take Back Day. They operated 4,869 collection sites. Those sites collected a total of 335 tons of unused prescription drugs. Those 335 tons of drugs were removed from circulation and potentially dangerous misuse.

Virginia operated 161 collection sites for Take Back Day in 2024 across the state. 17,425 pounds of unused prescription drugs were collected throughout the Commonwealth.

To find a collection site near you for the April 2025 Take Back Day, use this locator tool.

How to Prepare

• Locate all medications in your household. Ensure that they are securely stored. Ensure that all lids are closed tightly on bottles. Keep all bottles away from the reach of children, pets, etc.;
• Inventory the medications and identify which are unwanted and/or have expired dates;
• Label each of those identified medications with clear signage that indicates disposal; and
• Take them to a collection site between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

It’s that simple and that easy! Protect your family from the dangers of unused and/or expired prescription drugs.

Year-Round Drug Disposal

Many locations in Virginia are authorized year-round drop-off locations for unneeded medications. Find an authorized year-round drop-off location on the DEA website.

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¹ United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Take Back Day. https://www.dea.gov/takebackday#:~:text=Too%20often%2C%20unused%20prescription%20drugs,record%20amount%20of%20prescription%20drugs

Volunteer work involves donating one’s time, skills, and resources. This helps a cause, organization or community in need. Virginia’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) offers a perfect chance for anyone looking to help others or who may be searching for a way to give back to their community.

Established in 2002, the MRC is a national network of volunteers. It is locally organized to improve the health and safety of its communities. Throughout the Commonwealth, there are 25 local MRC units with more than 22,000 volunteers statewide. These units, consisting of medical and non-medical community members, support ongoing public health initiatives. One recent example is when MRC volunteers were called upon to assist those facing the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene. The help provided by MRC volunteers was much needed throughout Southwest Virginia.

MRC volunteers work diligently to improve and protect their community’s public health. These efforts include:

• Public health outreach
• Training efforts
• Vaccination clinics
• Health screenings
• Emergency response
• And more

While there is only one week each year formally dedicated to acknowledging the vast contributions of volunteers, the unwavering support of MRC volunteers is noticed year-round. This year, National Volunteer Week will be held April 20-26.

During this special time, we celebrate and commend the MRC volunteers for their invaluable service to Virginia. Whether providing disease preventative measures or responding to health emergencies that cripple many communities each year, we give thanks to all generously giving their time and resources in so many ways. Their efforts truly make a difference in the lives of others.

You, too, can give back by becoming a Virginia Medical Reserve Corps volunteer. Take the first step by registering through the Virginia Volunteer Health System (VVHS).

Many people have heard myths about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  Maybe you were told you could get pregnant from a toilet seat – you can’t.  Maybe you remember hearing about the “blue waffle disease.”  That was a fictional STI talked about online in the early 2010s.  For many years people have talked about how it is not safe to share plates or cups with someone who has HIV.  Sharing utensils or food with someone who has HIV is safe!

STIs are a historically taboo subject.  People don’t like to talk about STIs, and many STIs often do not have symptoms.  These factors make it easy for rumors to spread about who gets STIs, and how they are spread.

From April 13-19, Virginia will observe STI Awareness Week.  During this time, we shine light on the reality of how STIs are contracted, treated, and prevented.  STIs are very common.  In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that one in five people in the U.S. has an STI on any given day.  STI infections have increased dramatically over the five years since that time.  Syphilis is being diagnosed nationwide at levels not reported since 1950.  In Virginia, more cases of chlamydia are diagnosed than cases of the flu.

STI Prevention

Many people assume they will know if they get an STI.  However, getting tested is the only way to know for sure.  Most people infected with a bacterial STI will not have noticeable symptoms.  Bacterial STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.  Even without symptoms, STIs can still be spread from person-to-person.  They can also cause serious health problems.  For example, untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia can result in being unable to have children.  They can also become life threatening in rare cases.  People with syphilis can experience permanent organ damage.  This usually occurs if the infection spreads to their brain, eyes, or ears.

Finally, most people are also aware of the most common ways to prevent an STI:

• not having sex (abstinence),
• only having sex with one partner who has tested negative for all STIs (monogamy), and
• correctly using barriers made of latex (or other materials): such as condoms and dental dams—during sex.

Medical Interventions

Taking certain medications before sex can significantly reduce HIV/STI risk.  People who are HIV-negative can take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) before sex.  This will reduce the risk of getting infected with HIV by 99%.  People who are HIV-positive can take their HIV medications as prescribed.  This prevents passing the virus to others.

Some medications taken after sex reduces the risk of getting an STI.  People who may have been exposed to HIV can take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).  If taken within 72 hours, it may prevent infection.  Similarly, people who may have been exposed to some bacterial STIs can take DoxyPEP.  If taken within 72 hours DoxyPEP reduces the risk of bacterial STI infection.

What You Can Do This Week

Please join us in observing STI Awareness Week 2025.  Share reliable information about STIs.  Talk about your experience if you have had one before.  Consider encouraging people you know to get a free or low-cost test.  Virginia has a variety of options for testing, including:

• local health departments,
• nonprofit organizations,
• self-testing programs, and
• partnerships with private organizations.

Talk to your medical provider about whether PrEP or DoxyPEP are right for you.  By working together, we can make Virginia the healthiest state in the nation.

Beginning on, or about, April 2, USDA Wildlife Services will be distributing oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits.  This will occur in portions of Southwest Virginia.  Specifically, the areas of:

If you or a pet find an ORV bait

If your pet finds an ORV bait, do not try to remove the bait from your pet’s mouth.  You could be bitten.  Eating the baits will not harm your pet.  Confine your pet and look for other baits in the area.  Remove any bait from areas where your pet could eat them.

Instruct children to leave baits alone.  Wear gloves or use a towel when you pick up any bait.  Although there is no harm in touching an undamaged bait, they have a strong fishmeal smell.  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if there is any chance that the ORV packet has been ruptured.

Call to report a bait exposure

The ORV baits which will be distributed are “coated sachets.”  They are a plastic packet of vaccine coated with a sticky, scented substance to attract raccoons.  Each packet is marked with a toll-free number.  Call 877-722-6725 if you come into contact with a bait and need help or information.

If a person or pet is exposed to the vaccine within the bait, also call the number on the bait and report the bait contact.  Again, that number is 877-722-6725.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

For FAQs about the ORV baits, please visit the USDA website.

More information about the program

Please contact USDA for any questions about the USDA Wildlife Services Oral Rabies Vaccination Program.  They can be reached at (540) 230-7067.   More information about the program can be found on the USDA website.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month is reminding us of a simple concept: To encourage people to make healthy food choices. This year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” During the month of March, the Academy wants us to consider how food connects us in key areas:

• Ourselves
• Others
• Environment
• Culture
• Taste
• Nostalgia
• Economic stability

  

• Desire for health

The idea behind this year’s theme suggests that we should explore the connections. These connections can help people better understand themselves. Understanding oneself more clearly, leads to better lifestyle choices with food and exercise.

So, how can you begin embracing these connections? Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for resources and ideas. Women, infants, and children living in Virginia may be qualified for the Women, Infants and Children program, (WIC). WIC provides resources to help improve the health of pregnant women, infants and children. The program provides several services:

• Nutrition education
• Breastfeeding support
• Nutritious foods
• Counseling
• Health and social services referrals

Visit the WIC website to learn more or apply for services.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse wants everyone to have the facts this National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW).  NDAFW is observed each year.  This year it takes place March 17 to March 23.  It focuses on the science of drug use and addiction.  The Institute says information based on facts helps to educate and empower youth to make informed decisions.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) does its part by gathering data. Various programs gather information that helps prevent drug overdoses and substance misuse.  These data help to inform response, services, and programs to improve health outcomes.

In 2022, VDH developed a Drug Overdose Needs Assessment Tool.  The tool helps identify which communities in Virginia may need extra support.  For example, if a community is seeing a high number of overdoses, VDH responds.  Local health districts and their partners will develop ways to increase the availability of naloxone in the community.  Naloxone is a medication to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Data collected by VDH helps with developing drug overdose prevention programs.  Comprehensive Harm Reduction (CHR) programs also reduce the negative impact of using drugs.  CHR programs provide:

• Education
• Peer support
• Referrals to drug treatment
• Testing for HIV and viral hepatitis
• Linkages to medical care and support services
• Naloxone

Visit the drug overdose and substance use page for more information or data.  You can also visit the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services and the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies.

Poisoning can happen to people of any age at the most unexpected time. A curious child could accidentally eat a poisonous plant. A teen might experiment with substances. Even an older adult might make a medication error. Accidental poisonings can occur in an instant.

During National Poison Prevention Week, March 16–22, it’s important to raise awareness of the risks posed by poisonous substances and the precautions that can be taken to keep families and friends safe. Remember to use the Poison Help hotline 1-800-222-1222 and website PoisonHelp.org. If it’s an emergency and an individual has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can’t be awakened, call 911 immediately.

Poisoning is the leading cause of injury death in the U.S. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in homes in America each year. More than 70% of people who call the Poison Help hotline get the help they need right where they are. Calling the Poison Help hotline could save a trip to a healthcare professional or hospital. In 2023, the 55 U.S. poison control centers provided telephone guidance for nearly 2.1 million human poison exposures. That’s about:

• 6.2 poison exposures for every 1,000 people
• 32.1 poison exposures in children younger than six years for every 1,000 children
• One poison exposure reported to U.S. poison control centers every 15 seconds

In 2022, in Virginia, 91% of cases occurred in a residence. Three quarter of total cases were a result of an unintentional exposure to a substance. More than 38% of cases were for children five years old or younger.

Virginia has two poison control centers that provide fast, free and confidential help for poison-related questions. Virginia’s poison control centers are located at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia. Calling a poison control center is faster and more accurate than an internet search. 

Remember these important poison prevention safety tips for the home, safe storage habits, medicine safety and more. 

Home Safety Tips

1. Keep cleaning products and cosmetics up and away.
2. Read product labels before each use.
3. Supervise young children when using hand sanitizer.
4. Don’t mix cleaning products together.

Practice Safe Storage Habits

The following items should be stored up, away, and out of sight of children, and in their original containers. Or keep these substances in cabinets secured with child-resistant locks. Keep in mind that no lock or container is 100 percent childproof.

• All medicines and pharmaceuticals, including over the counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements.
• Tobacco and e-cigarette products, especially liquid nicotine.
• Alcohol.
• Laundry and cleaning supplies.
• Pesticides and insect repellents.
• Button batteries, such as those found in musical greeting cards, key fobs, toys, etc.
• Any type of oil or lubricant, including fragrance oils, tiki torch oils, engine oil, etc.
• Personal care products, especially contact lens disinfectants and hand sanitizers.
• Other chemicals or substances.

Did you know that many common houseplants can be toxic? 

Kids are curious and often put things into their mouths, including plants. Some common poisonous houseplants include poinsettia, pothos, peace lily, philodendron and ZZ plants.

You can prevent poisonings from houseplants by following these simple tips:

• Identify any poisonous plants in your home and remove them if possible.
• Place remaining poisonous plants up high and out of reach of children.
• Teach your children not to eat plants, berries, or mushrooms.

If your child eats a plant, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Poison control centers are available 24/7 for fast, free, confidential, expert advice.

Teens are curious and might experiment with substances or participate in social media challenges. Remember to:

• Talk openly about the dangers of substances and social media challenges.
• Teach your teen about the Poison Help hotline and encourage them to save the number in their phone: 1-800-222-1222.
• Call the Poison Help hotline if you have questions about potential poisons.

If you or your teen have poison-related questions, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This service is always free, fast, confidential and non-judgmental.

Older Adults and Medicine Safety

Accidents happen. It’s easy to forget if you’ve taken your medication, especially if you’re busy or distracted. Here are some tips to prevent accidental double-dosing:

• Set medication reminders on your phone or calendar.
• Read labels carefully before taking medication.
• Use a pill organizer to help you keep track of your medications.

If you’ve accidentally taken too much medicine, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Learn more poison prevention tips with these helpful resources:

• VDH Poison Prevention page
• America’s Poison Centers
• Health Resources & Services Administration

Learn how your local poison control center can help you:

• Virginia Poison Center
• Blue Ridge Poison Center

About the Office of Emergency Preparedness

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) is responsible for responding to emergencies throughout the Commonwealth that impact public health.  They work with state, regional, local, and national partners to prepare for all types of hazards that include:

• Severe weather
• Bioterrorism
• Infectious disease outbreaks
• Nuclear and radiological threats
• Other disasters

Always Prepared

OEP works with every office in the agency and each local health district to develop emergency plans to outline how the agency can continue to provide essential services during a public health crisis.

Practice. Practice. Practice. OEP staff hosts emergency drills and exercises with regional and local partners to practice how VDH and its partners would respond to an emergency to ensure public health met.

Emergency Preparedness vs. Emergency Response

Being prepared is only part of the job. OEP staff constantly monitor reports and situations across the Commonwealth.  They are ready to respond at the first sign of an emergency. In fact, OEP has positioned emergency coordinators in each of the five health regions to ensure that staff can easily mobilize during an emergency.

OEP response activities vary depending on the type of emergency. They coordinate resources, manages logistics and provide situation updates. Staff coordinate water distributions during water emergencies.  They provide logistic support during flu shot clinics.

Crucial Partners

Partner agencies are crucial to emergency preparedness and response.  OEP works with many partners to maintain the health and safety of the public during an emergency.  These include:

• Local law enforcement,
• Fire department,
• Emergency medical services,
• Community volunteer organizations,
• Local government (city officials),
• Other state agencies (i.e. the Virginia Department of Emergency Management), and
• Medical Reserve Corps

Communication is Key

OEP emergency coordinators are key to providing situation awareness.  They are the boots on the ground during an emergency.  They share essential information with leadership for decision making.  They share important details with VDH’s communications team for public messaging. They communicate critical needs to VDH partners.

What Can You Do?

Knowledge is power!  Learn about what you can do to protect yourself and loved ones during an emergency.  Visit the OEP website for resources, disaster support and help, and more.

As spring approaches, the warm weather returns. But it also brings some severe weather. Severe weather poses some risks if you aren’t prepared. This year, use Virginia Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 10-14, to better prepare you and your family for any severe weather that could impact Virginia this spring.

The three steps to be prepared are:

1. Have a plan. Discuss with your family what to do and where to go if severe weather strikes. You can even make your plan online.
2. Build an emergency kit. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. For more information about how to build a kit and where to store it, visit ready.gov.
3. Stay informed. Get a weather radio or use the FEMA app. Make sure you have a way to get reliable, timely alerts. Know what the difference between watch vs. warning.

It’s also important to understand the different types of severe weather that could impact you.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms might seem routine, but they can escalate quickly. Clear skies can turn dark and ominous bringing strong wind and lightning. Strong winds can blow around tree branches and other loose objects. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm.

Follow these tips to stay safe during thunderstorms and lightning.

• Trim trees and pick up loose items before a storm.
• Get inside (and bring your pets) at the first sign of thunder or lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors!
• Stay away from windows once inside.
• Do NOT use anything connected to an electrical outlet, such as computers or other electronic equipment.
• Stay out of the shower and away from other plumbing, including washing dishes.
• Stay inside 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning.

If you cannot seek shelter indoors:

• avoid going near water,
• stay away from tall trees, and
• do not seek shelter near metal objects such as fences or bleachers.

If a person is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.

Flooding and Flash Flooding

Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Floodwater and standing water can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards and injuries.

Follow these guidelines to stay safe during flooding:

• Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can strike quickly, with little or no warning. They can happen anytime and anywhere. Tornadoes look like funnels and bring intense winds of more than 200 miles per hour. The best way to stay safe during a tornado is to be prepared.

Be alert to changing weather conditions and know where to go to be safe.

If inside:

• Shelter in storm shelters and basements.
• If no basement, shelter in an interior room or hallway without windows on the lowest possible floor.
• Do not remain in a mobile home during a tornado.
• Stay inside until you are certain the storm has passed.

If you are outside:

• Seek shelter in a sturdy structure immediately.
• Drive to the nearest shelter, if safely possible.
• If not, find a ditch or low area that is away from trees and other objects that could become projectiles.
• Do not seek shelter underneath a bridge or overpass.

Don’t forget to participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 11, at 9:45 a.m.

Remember take action now to ensure your safety during severe weather.

Every year, at least 2.8 million Americans sustain brain injuries. On average, from 2019 to 2023, there were over 5,000 hospitalizations and almost 2,000 deaths among Virginians each year related to traumatic brain injury.  Brain injuries affect each person differently.

 

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. The Virginia Department of Health is joining others to raise awareness about this condition.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. It may be caused by a:

• Bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or
• Penetrating injury.

Other brain injuries are called non-traumatic brain injuries. They cause damage to the brain from issues going on inside of the body, such as

• Lack of oxygen to the brain (near drowning, drug overdose)
• Exposure to toxins
• Certain infectious diseases, or
• Other brain and heart conditions, such as stroke, tumors, and aneurysms.

While many people make a full recovery, there are many people in the U.S. living with a permanent brain injury.

To learn more about brain injury:

• Visit the Brain Injury Association of Virginia.
• Call the Brain Injury Association National Help Line: 1-800-444-6443.
• Visit CDC Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion .
• Visit VDH Injury and Violence Prevention Program.

To learn more about TBI data in Virginia:

• Visit the VDH Injury and Violence Dashboard web page.