Regional medication disposal initiative
collects nearly four tons since October 2022
Data collected since October 2022 shows that New River Valley residents have turned in almost 8,000 pounds of unused or expired medications – thanks to a regional collaboration involving New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS), local law enforcement agencies, and some of the area’s independent pharmacies.
The 7,859 pounds recorded in that timeframe is the collective total of amounts gathered during the semi-annual Take Back Day events (conducted each April and October), as well as the seven permanent drop boxes that NRVCS’ Community Wellness and Outreach team has put in place throughout the New River Valley. The NRVCS funded drop boxes are located at police departments in Dublin, Pearisburg, and Radford, as well as pharmacies in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pearisburg, and Shawsville.
According to Mike Wade at NRVCS, the agency has utilized State Opioid Response funding for the majority of this effort, including reminder postcards mailed to households across the New River Valley in advance of each Take Back Day event – a federal program under the DEA where local law enforcement agencies set up collection sites to collect medication that is no longer needed or has expired.
“Proper medication disposal is an important component of our region’s efforts to address the ongoing challenges related to substance use misuse and substance use disorder,” notes Wade. “Prescription medication, which includes opioids, can present a real threat to the safety and wellbeing of our communities – particularly children, teens and young adults.”
“The Radford City Police Department has a permanent medication drop box that is available to the public year round, but Take Back Day brings awareness, visibility, and engagement,” explains Chief Jerry Holdaway. “The postcard reminders play a key role in notification to our residents that makes our community safer.”
In addition to purchasing the seven drop boxes, NRVCS continues to support the pharmacy boxes by covering the cost of replacement liners and disposal fees, as needed.
“We’re proud to partner in providing a safe, convenient place for our community to dispose of unwanted or expired medications,” adds Joshua Freeman, Corporate Office Manager for Solutions Pharmacy, which operates pharmacies in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pearisburg, and Shawsville. “These drug takeback boxes not only reduce the risk of diversion and misuse, but also help protect our families, safeguard our water supply, and preserve our environment. It’s a simple step that makes a meaningful difference in public health and safety, and we’re honored to be part of that effort.”
The next Take Back Day event is scheduled for Saturday, October 25 from 10 AM – 2 PM. Additional details about local collection sites will be available closer to the date of the event.
