Media Contact: Kirsten “Hope” Sievers, City of Alexandria Opioid Coordinator, kirsten.sievers@alexandriava.gov , 703.328.3792

Alexandria, Va. – In recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day on April 29, the Opioid Work Group is distributing Opioid Harm Reduction Bags across the community to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl-laced illicit drugs and provide life-saving resources. Harm reduction bags include:

• Naloxone, a nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses.
• Test strips, allowing individuals to test substances for the presence of fentanyl or xylazine.
• Educational materials and community resources to support prevention, treatment, and harm reduction efforts.

Community members who want to be equipped with these first aid resources or learn more about treatment options are encouraged to pick up a harm reduction bag from April 26 through May 2 at designated City locations. For a list of locations and times, visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids. Bags are available at no cost—without judgment, only support and resources to save lives.

The presence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills, often disguised as Oxycodone, Percocet, or Xanax, continues to drive overdoses nationwide. Alexandria residents can help prevent medication misuse and spread lifesaving information by:

• Taking only medications prescribed by a doctor or purchased from a pharmacy.
• Educating others about the dangers of fentanyl in counterfeit pills and street drugs.
• Using conversation guides to discuss substance use risks with youth.
• Safely disposing of unused or expired medications at designated drop-off locations.
• Securing medications with free locking medicine boxes.
• Accessing free Naloxone for emergency overdose response.

For more information on harm reduction efforts and substance use resources in Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids.

The City’s Department of Community and Human Services provides access to treatment for people dealing with any form of substance misuse. Call 703.746.3636 (Virginia Relay 711) 24 hours a day. For help stopping the use of heroin or other opioids, call the Opioid Treatment Program at 703.746.3610. Always call 911 if you suspect someone is overdosing. Visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids  for more information. Visit alexandriava.gov/SAPCA  to learn about ways to prevent youth substance misuse.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact christina.damhuis@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5694 or call Virginia Relay 711.