BPD & Blake Hospital host “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take-back day on October 28
October 16, 2023
HCA Florida Blake is partnering with the Bradenton Police Department and Drug Free Manatee in support of the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in the fight against medication misuse and opioid addiction. “Crush the Crisis” aims to educate our community on the risk of medication misuse while providing a safe and anonymous way to dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits.
Crush the Crisis will take place from 9 a.m. to Noon in front of the Blake Hospital (2020 59th Street West) Medical Arts Building, which is directly next to the main hospital. This location has a circle drive so attendees can drop off unwanted prescription drugs without leaving their cars.
The Bradenton Police Department will collect the following medications (tablets, capsules, and patches):
Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin)
Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet)
Tramadol (Ultram)
Codeine
Fentanyl (Duragesic)
Morphine
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Oxymorphone (Opana)
Ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medication in leak-proof containers, vape cartridges without batteries, and pet medication will also be accepted. Needles, syringes, lancets, or liquids will not be accepted.
In 2022, there were more than 109,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increase from 2021. In Florida alone, there were 3,003 opioid-caused deaths reported in 2022, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
’"Expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs could fall into the wrong hands, fuel addiction, and even result in an overdose death," said Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan. "Regrettably, the Bradenton Police Department investigated 23 overdose deaths in 2022, and there have been 14 overdose deaths so far this year. Crush the Crisis is an important tool in helping fight the opioid crisis in our community."
In October 2022, all 15 HCA Healthcare U.S. divisions hosted events at more than 100 locations across 17 states. Approximately 19,423 pounds, equivalent to 13.4 million doses, of unused and expired prescription medications were collected.
For more information, visit hcahealthcare.com/crushthecrisis or call the toll-free number at (833) 582-1970.