Crush the Crisis Prescription Drug Take Back Day
HCA Florida Healthcare facilities across Central Florida to host Crush the Crisis Prescription Drug Take Back Day Oct. 26
MEDIA ADVISORY: HCA Florida Healthcare Facilities Across Central Florida to Host Crush the Crisis Prescription Drug Take Back Day Oct. 26
~Multiple sites to collect unused prescription medication to combat drug misuse~
Orlando, FL – HCA Florida Healthcare facilities are hosting their annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day on Saturday, Oct. 26, to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications. The event, which coincides with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offers a safe and anonymous way to dispose of leftover medications.
WHY: While drug overdose deaths decreased in the past year, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States. In Florida alone, 2,836
people died with at least one prescription drug in their system identified as the cause of death in the first six months of 2023.
Research shows a significant number of drug addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused medications from family and friends.
WHAT: Crush the Crisis – Prescription Drug Take Back Day
HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital, UCF Lake Nona Hospital and Oviedo Medical Center are participating as part of HCA
Healthcare’s sixth annual national “Crush the Crisis” prescription take back day. Last year, more than 120 HCA Healthcare facilities from all 15 U.S. divisions
partnered with local law enforcement to collect and safely dispose of 13,136 pounds of medication — an estimated 9.02 million doses.
Law enforcement officers will be collecting:
• Tablets or capsules in any packaging
• Patches
• Medicated ointments, lotions or drops
• Liquid medications (in leak-proof containers)
• Vape cartridges (without batteries)
• Pet medications
Needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.
WHEN: This Saturday, October 26, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: UCF Lake Nona Hospital – main entrance*
6700 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando
*Media interview location
HCA Florida Maitland Emergency – drop-off location at the corner of Maitland Boulevard and Forest City Road
9401 Summit Centre Way, Orlando
HCA Florida Osceola Hospital – drop-off location in front of the Osceola Medical Arts building
700 West Oak St., Kissimmee
HCA Florida Osceola East Emergency – drop-off location at the corner of Highway 192 and Live Oak Boulevard
4920 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, St. Cloud
HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital
325 Cypress Parkway, Kissimmee
WHO: UCF Lake Nona Hospital Pharmacy Director Brittany Herring will be available for media interviews.
Please visit hcahealthcare.com/campaigns/crush-the-crisis for more information.