[Archived] City of Alexandria Recognizes August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day

For Immediate Release: August 31, 2018

The City of Alexandria will recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, to call additional attention to drug overdoses -- especially involving opioids -- and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. As in many communities throughout the country, the national opioid epidemic poses a significant threat to public health and safety in Alexandria. Overdoses related to opioids are affecting more family members, neighbors and friends than ever before, and City staff are working to address this serious crisis.

Opioids are a class of highly addictive drugs used to reduce pain and include prescription opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal opioids like heroin. Overdoses can occur in people who have an addiction to substances as well as those who do not, such as someone accidentally overdosing on prescription opioids after a surgery or an injury, an elderly person consuming too much of a prescribed pain reliever, a teenager experimenting with illegal drugs for the first time or a child ingesting opioid pills or powders from a home medicine cabinet or other storage location.

Residents can help prevent overdose deaths by being aware of the signs and knowing how to respond to overdose. Overdose symptoms include a pale face, limp body, bluish lips or nails, vomiting or gurgling, drowsiness or unconsciousness, slow breathing, or heartbeat and muscle spasms. In the event of an overdose, call 911 immediately. Anyone who assists a person in need is protected from liability by the Good Samaritan Law.

Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that, if given in a timely manner, can save the life of someone who is overdosing from opioids. It is available without a prescription at all pharmacies. Obtain it for free at the Alexandria Health Department main office (4480 King St.), from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and from 12:45 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Appointments are not necessary, but may be made by calling 703.746.4888.

Residents can also help prevent addiction and overdose deaths by participating in Drug Take Back Days and disposing of unused prescription drugs safely. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. A permanent drug drop off box is located at The Neighborhood Pharmacy (2204 Mt. Vernon Ave.). Any person can drop off unwanted medicines at this location during business hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Anyone who needs help with addiction can call the Department of Community and Human Services at 703.746.3400 (Virginia Relay 711), 24 hours a day, to learn more about treatment options in Alexandria. For help to stop using heroin or other opioids, call the Opioid Treatment Program intake line at 703.746.3610.

To provide information regarding past overdoses or any illegal drug activity, please call the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.6277.

For more information on the opioid crisis, the Opioid Work Group and how the City is responding, including a printable flyer, in English and Spanish, on overdose symptoms and how to get help, visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.