On October 24, 227 lbs of unused and expired medication were collected during the City of Alexandria's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Year-round, residents are encouraged to dispose of medication by visiting one of Alexandria's three permanent drop box locations or disposing of medication safely at home.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids for more information about safe medicine disposal and Alexandria’s efforts regarding the opioid crisis.

As of July 1, 2020, it is unlawful for a person to smoke in a motor vehicle in Virginia, whether in motion or at rest, when a minor under the age of fifteen is present in the motor vehicle. A violation of this law is punishable by a civil penalty of $100. Learn more about how to protect children from second-hand smoke while in a vehicle by checking out the flyers below.

Nominations should be submitted using this form. The deadline to submit your nomination application is Friday, October 30, 2020 at 11:00 p.m.

Each year from October 23-31, communities across the country celebrate Red Ribbon Week, an alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention awareness campaign. It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. This year's theme is: “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” ACPS students are encouraged to enter the Red Ribbon Week poster contest for their chance to win a $100 gift card. Learn more about the poster contest, including how to enter, here. All entries must be submitted by November 8, 2020. 

The City of Alexandria has launched a mail delivery program to make it easier for residents to obtain Narcan, an easy-to-use nasal spray that can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Residents can obtain Narcan for free by emailing their name and mailing address to the City’s Opioid Response Coordinator at emily.bentley@alexandriava.gov.Residents can also obtain Narcan by appointment at the Alexandria Health Department by calling 703.746.4888.Narcan is also available without a prescription at all pharmacies.

For more information on Narcan and how to obtain it, visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids. If you or someone you care about need help with addiction, call 703.746.3636 (Virginia Relay 711), 24 hours a day. For help to stop using heroin or other opioids, call the Opioid Treatment Program intake line at 703.746.3610. Individuals who do not live in Alexandria can find treatment options at samhsa.gov or by calling 800.662.HELP (4357). For life-threatening situations, call or text 911 immediately. 

To recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this month the City of Alexandria’s Domestic Violence Program partnered with agencies across Northern Virginia to promote #PowerUpNOVA, a regional campaign to encourage Northern Virginians to consider their power as individuals and part of a larger community devoted to reducing and eliminating domestic and intimate partner violence. The campaign included recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Day (Wear Purple Day) on October 21 and offering several free, informative webinars and presentations for the community and survivors throughout the month.

Join the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP) for a virtual community event on October 29 at 5:30 p.m. in recognition of ACAP's 20th anniversary and featuring the release of pregnancy data by the Alexandria Health Department and a proclamation by Mayor Justin Wilson. Join the community in celebrating 20 years of unwavering dedication to reducing teen pregnancy through evidence-based approaches and strong alliances between City agencies and community partners, including the Alexandria Health Department’s Teen Wellness Center and Alexandria City Public Schools. Click here to join the event.

Join Positive Schools Center to watch and discuss Pushout, a documentary about the experience of young Black girls in the school system. For more information, contact pushoutmd@gmail.com.

Celebrate the holidays with Alexandria 4-H. The 4-H Apple Pie Project is a family-friendly project suitable for all ages. Project kits are $15 each and include all non-perishable ingredients, a 9-inch pie tin, and a 4-H Welcome Gift. Kits must be ordered by Friday, November 13. Limited kits will be available for purchase. For full project details or to order kits, click here.tps://tinyurl.com/Alexandria4HApplePieProject

In recognition of October as National Bullying Prevention Month, the National Safe Place Network is providing resources to raise awareness about bullying prevention and highlight the ways in which we work to create a world where all youth are safe.

Additionally, persons in need of support can reach out using Safe Place’s TXT 4 HELP, a nationwide, 24-hour text-for-support service for teens that can be used for the same reason a young person may go to a Safe Place site - abuse, bullying, family problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, and others. TXT 4 HELP counselors can provide support via text and can offer additional suggestions for immediate help regardless of where youth are. Click here to learn more about Alexandria Safe Place.

Come get your flu shot today at the Teen Wellness center. If you are under 18 you will need your parent or guardian permission. It's very important to get your flu shot this year. Protect your health and your family's health. Schedule an appointment by calling 703-746-4776 or text APPT to 571-329-2245. Be advised, like any other health care office, we are screening for COVID-19 to keep everyone safe.

¡Ven por la vacuna contra la gripe HOY al Centro de Salud para Adolescentes!

Si eres menor de 18 años, necesitas permiso de tus padres o tutor. Es muy importante que recibas la vacuna contra la gripe este año. Protege tu salud y la de tu familia.

Haz una cita hoy llamando al 703-746-4776 o envía APPT al 571-329-2245. Toma nota, como cualquier otra oficina de salud, te haremos preguntas para resguardar contra COVID-19.

emma.beall@alexandriava.gov