Herring announces 80,000 drug deactivation kits donated to Virginia

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring unveiled a new tool in the fight against opioid and heroin addiction on Tuesday.

He announced that 80,000 drug deactivation kits have been donated to the commonwealth. The biodegradable kits deactivate and destroy up to 45 pills by adding warm water.

Herring made the announcement on Tuesday morning at the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke.

Through the Roanoke Valley Hope Initiative, the clinic has helped 28 people in the last two months fight addiction.

Herring said the fight largely starts at home.

"In Southwest Virginia, we see fatal prescription drug overdose rates that are 4, 5, and 6 times higher than the state average. The problem often has its roots in the medicine cabinet, as opposed to the streets," said Herring.

Starting in November, the kits will be available at health departments, as well as local hospitals, pharmacies and police departments.