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The original item was published from 8/17/2020 11:26:24 AM to 1/1/2021 12:00:06 AM.

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Posted on: August 17, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Loudoun County Partners with Giant Pharmacy to Help Prevent Substance Misuse

Image of prescription medication

Loudoun County has partnered with Giant Pharmacy in an effort to combat controlled substance misuse in the community. 

Customers of Giant Pharmacy locations in Loudoun County are provided a drug deactivation bag or medication lock box along with an informational flyer on how to prevent medications from getting into the wrong hands. Clients of the Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services (MHSADS) also are being provided these resources upon request and while supplies last. 

Medication lock boxes may be used to store opioids and other medications out of reach of children, family, pets and guests. Drug deactivation bags may be used to properly dispose of unused medications and reduce the impact on the environment. The program is funded by the State Opioid Response grant program, which supports services that prevent opioid misuse. 

“We are pleased to launch this partnership with Giant Pharmacy,” said MHSADS Director Margaret Graham. “Our partnership with Giant Pharmacy is key to raising awareness in the local community about safe and proper handling of prescription medications to reduce potential misuse and ensure safe and responsible disposal.”  

According to the Northern Virginia ‘Know the RxSK Use with Caution’ (knowrx.org) campaign, nearly 12,000 opioid prescriptions are filled every day in Virginia. Prescription opioids often go unused, unlocked and undisposed. Seventy-three to seventy-seven percent of patients reported that their prescription opioids were not stored in locked containers. Most people who misuse opioids get them from a friend, relative or single prescriber. 

To receive a free drug deactivation bag or medication lock box while supplies last, visit your local Giant Pharmacy or email Loudoun County.  

There are several drug collection units located in Loudoun County where residents may dispose of unused or expired medications. More information is available at loudoun.gov/drugdisposal.

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