September 24-29, 2012 is Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout

Help our community by monitoring and properly disposing of your unused or expired medications. Doing this prevents accidental poisoning or abuse by others, and protects the environment.

Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout is sponsored by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services in collaboration with local businesses and the Fairfax County government departments of Health, Police, Fire and Rescue, Public Works and Environmental Services, Office of Public Private Partnerships, Channel 16 as well as the Unified Prevention Coalition.

When Can I Drop Off Medications?

Bring unused or expired medications (just pills or liquids – no pressurized canisters or needles) to your local Fairfax County district police station for disposal anytime from Monday, September 24 through Saturday, September 29, 2012.

Disposal is free, convenient, confidential and safe.

Visit the Health Department's "Don't Flush" page for more information about proper disposal of medications year-round.

Drop-off sites

Fair Oaks District Station 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway Fairfax, VA 22033	Mount Vernon District Station 2511 Parkers Lane Alexandria, VA 22306
Franconia District Station 6121 Franconia Road Alexandria, VA 22310	Reston District Station 12000 Bowman Towne Drive Reston, VA 20190
Mason District Station 6507 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003	Sully District Station 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard Chantilly, VA 20151
McLean District Station 1437 Balls Hill Road McLean, VA 22101	West Springfield District Station 6140 Rolling Road Springfield, VA 22152

Why Do We Need to Keep Medications Safe?

Clearing out unused or expired medications prevents accidental poisoning, drug abuse, and environmental pollution. In a 2011 survey, approximately 1 in 16 Fairfax County high school students responded that they had abused prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter medications in the previous month. Nationally, prescription drug abuse is a growing problem with all ages.

Safe Handling of Medications Year-Round

To learn how to safely dispose of your expired and unused medications from home year-round, visit the Health Department’s medicine disposal Web page and watch our short YouTube video describing how to safely dispose of your medications. Also keep these safety tips in mind:

Read the material provided with all prescribed medications to know how to use them safely.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any possible risks, especially for abuse.
Talk to your children. Let them know to never take medications without your knowledge.
Keep track of and secure your medications.

Visit our Services page or call 703-934-5477, TTY 711 for more information about CSB Wellness & Health Promotion programs.

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 836, Fairfax, VA 22035-1100
703-324-7000, TTY 711, Fax 703-324-7092

Contact for news media inquiries: Belinda Buescher, Communications Director, Desk: 703-324-4442, Cell: 571-722-9091
To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-7027, TTY 711.

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