Central Nova News

The City of Alexandria is set to participate in the third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 7. The event aims to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs and provide resources for preventing substance misuse and managing substance use disorders.

Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center Café, the event will offer demonstrations, treatment information, health resources, and free Narcan overdose medication. Attendees can also receive test strips for fentanyl and other drugs.

Fentanyl overdoses claimed over 73,000 lives in the United States in 2022, a figure that has doubled over three years. Young people aged 14 to 23 are experiencing the fastest increase in fentanyl-related deaths. The Drug Enforcement Agency reports that four out of ten pills containing illicit fentanyl tested in their labs have potentially lethal doses.

The Opioid Work Group and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) are urging residents to share information about safe medication practices and the risks associated with fake pills and street drugs. They emphasize only taking medications prescribed by a doctor or purchased at a pharmacy.

Residents are encouraged to dispose of unused or expired medications safely and access free locking medication boxes. Free Narcan is also available for those who need it.

For individuals dealing with substance misuse, Alexandria's Department of Community and Human Services offers treatment access around the clock via phone at 703.746.3636 (Virginia Relay 711). For assistance with opioid addiction specifically, contact the Opioid Treatment Program at 703.746.3610.

In case of suspected overdoses, residents should call emergency services immediately by dialing 911. To report past overdoses or drug activity, contact the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.6277.

More information can be found on alexandriava.gov/Opioids and alexandriava.gov/SAPCA for youth substance misuse prevention strategies.

For disability accommodations or language services, contact Maurice Tomdio or email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov.