January 2019 Newsletter
Highlights & Annoucements
January Drug Take Back Day Recap

During our last Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, January 12, Alexandria collected 240  lbs  of unused and expired medication! Thank you to everyone who volunteered for this event and came out to drop off medication.

Couldn't make it to this event?  Alexandria's  second and   newest permanent medication drop box is  housed at Inova Alexandria Hospital (4320 Seminary Road).  This drop box is located in the visitor's lobby next to the cashier's window. Medication can be dropped off here between  5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Another permanent drop box is located at the Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray (2204 Mt. Vernon Ave). Medication can be dropped off at this location during the following hours:
  • Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Interested in volunteering at our next Drug Take Back Day? Contact Emma Beall at emma.beall@alexandriava.gov 

#FactOfTheMonth: Existing Evidence
In this article, Malcolm Gladwell shares that a panel from the National Academy of Medicine reviewed existing scientific literature about marijuana. The report released by this group in 2017 "simply stated, over and over again, that a drug North Americans have become enthusiastic about remains a mystery."

Gladwell explains that this lack of a solid evidence-base may be due in part to difficulties related to studying marijuana use when it was illegal. However, Gladwell also points out that studies previously conducted occurred when marijuana "was not nearly as potent as it is now." This fact alone raises new questions about how much is truly known about the health consequences, both positive and negative, of today's marijuana. 

Have an idea for our next #FactOfTheMonth ? Email Emma Beall at  emma.beall@alexandriava.gov
Volunteer Opportunity: Naloxone Pharmacy Awareness Campaign


2. Fill out your name, email, and select "Naloxone Awareness Campaign in Virginia."
3. You will receive an email with a 
link to the short training, instructions on how to participate, and a link the survey we ask you to take after visiting a pharmacy.
4. Let S.A.F.E. Project know if you have any questions, and then go to your local pharmacy to participate!
Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy Hosts  Meeting on "The State of Teen Pregnancy in Alexandria'

Please join the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy at its quarterly meeting on February 11, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at Beatley Library for a presentation of Alexandria's adolescent pregnancy data.  Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Lisette Torres at Lisette.Torres@Alexandriava.gov

Click here to view a PDF of this flyer.  
Apply for a Dream Project Scholarship

The application period for the Dream Project Scholarship is now open! This scholarship is a renewable college scholarship for both current seniors in high school, and current college students. Applications are due February 1, 2019.

Eligibility criteria:
  • Graduated or will graduate from a Virginia high school
  • Were born outside of the U.S. and whose immigration status creates barriers to access and success in college
  • Will attend an accredited two or four year-college or university
  • Successful applicants are students whose immigration status create barriers to access higher education
Click here to learn more about this scholarship!
Click here  to view a PDF of this flyer.
Upcoming Community Events
Landmark Mall Re-Planning Process Community Workshop

On Saturday, January 26, join community members at The Hermitage (5000 Fairbanks Avenue) for a hands-on community workshop to share feedback regarding the Landmark Mall re-planning process. At 9:30 a.m., c ommunity members are invited to enjoy pre-workshop coffee and donuts and to catch up on previous events and ask questions. Then from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., the workshop will consist of several brief presentations, each followed by table discussion and opportunities for participant feedback. The day will conclude with each table reporting out on discussion topics. Complimentary lunch and childcare will be provided. Community members will also have the opportunity to participate online by visiting LiveStream at the start of the event.

Registration to attend this event is not required but participants are asked to RSVP here for planning purposes.

For more information about the Landmark Mall Re-Planning Process, click here.
Save the date: E-cigarette presentation

E-cigarettes, vaping, juuling . . . confused by it all? Come learn what it all means and how it affects our teens at  the next Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meeting on  Monday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m. at T.C. Williams High School. Join Fredy Martinez,  the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)  K-12 Substance Abuse Prevention &  Intervention Services Coordinator as he distinguishes myths from facts about e-cigarettes, vaping and juuling.
A Conversation with the Superintendent: Shaping the Future of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)

ACPS families,  community  members and staff have shared hundreds of observations and pieces of advice with ACPS Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings during his first 100 days on the job. Now, it's time for him to share what he has learned! Please join Dr. Hutchings on Wednesday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m. in the T.C. Williams High School cafeteria  to discuss the steps that will be taken to get ACPS to the next level.  Childcare, interpretation, and transportation from around the city will be provided with registration. Click here to register for this event.
Save the date: Overview of SAPCA and ACAP 

What: A brief introduction to the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) and the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP)

Where: The Alexandria Parent Teacher Association Council (PTAC) Meeting at the Minnie Howard Media Center ( 3801 W Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22302)

When: February 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Why: Learn how two local community coalitions are working together to prevent risky behaviors and build assets among Alexandria's young people! 
Interested in getting involved with SAPCA?
Contact Us:
Emma Beall, SAPCA Coordinator
Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria 
123 N Pitt St, Suite 225
Alexandria, VA 22314
O: 703.746.3670 
C: 571.302.1022
emma.beall @alexandriava.gov
www.PreventItAlexandria.org
STAY CONNECTED!