On August 31, the City of Alexandria joined communities around the world in support of International Overdose Awareness Day. The goal of this annual campaign is to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind, and raise awareness that substance use disorders can be successfully managed with treatment. 

To show solidarity, and in recognition of National Recovery Month in September, City Hall (301 King St.) was lit teal with spotlights from the night of August 29 through the night of September 1. Throughout September, the City is continuing to raise awareness and understanding of substance use disorders and recovery.

To help prevent overdoses, the City distributed free Narcan, fentanyl test strips and medication lock boxes on Market Square; these items are also available to residents year round. Narcan is an easy-to-use nasal spray that can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose, and fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in a drug. The City offers a mail delivery program to make it easier for residents to obtain Narcan and fentanyl test strips by emailing opioids@alexandriava.gov. Narcan is also available by calling the Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4888 and without a prescription at most pharmacies. Learn more about Narcan and fentanyl test strips and how to obtain medication lock boxes.

The City also recently expanded its fentanyl test strip harm reduction program through a Release Bag program, which distributes the test strips along with treatment information and resources to individuals being release from the jail.

Residents can also dispose of unwanted medicines at permanent drug drop boxes during business hours at The Neighborhood Pharmacy (2204 Mt. Vernon Ave.), 24 hours per day inside the front entrance of the Alexandria Police Department Headquarters (3600 Wheeler Ave.), and 1-5 p.m. daily in the Visitor’s Center Lobby of Inova Alexandria Hospital (4320 Seminary Road; visit inova.org/visit for updated hours).

The City’s Department of Community and Human Services can help locate treatment options in Alexandria for anyone dealing with substance use and is available 24 hours a day at 703.746.3636 (Virginia Relay 711). To get help stopping the use of heroin or other opioids, call the Opioid Treatment Program intake line at 703.746.3610.