Fort Walton Beach and Navarre residents invited to safely dispose of medications during “Crush the Crisis” event on October 26
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Working with HCA Florida Navarre Emergency, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is getting ready to organize the annual “Crush the Crisis” Prescription Drug Take Back Day in an attempt to address the ongoing public health crisis of prescription drug abuse. Set for Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 AM to 12 PM, this important community event will take place at two local sites.
Adding to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the program offers community members a safe, quick, anonymous approach to getting rid of unneeded or expired drugs. This preventative action seeks to reduce the possible risks connected to incorrectly disposed drugs, therefore preventing accidental poisoning, overuse, and maybe overdose.
Part of a larger, nationwide initiative driven by HCA Healthcare, the “Crush the Crisis” is marking its sixth year this October. With more than 120 HCA Healthcare sites spread over 15 U.S. divisions involved, the campaign was a clear success last year alone. Working closely with local law enforcement authorities, these facilities managed to gather around 13,136 pounds of drugs, equating to roughly 9.02 million dosages that were responsibly disposed of, therefore preventing possible misuse.
“For more than 50 years, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has cared for the tri-county area, and our ‘Crush the Crisis’ prescription take back day is a testament to this commitment,” said Dr. Dan Hagler, Chief Medical Officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. “By offering a safe and anonymous way to dispose of medications, reducing the risk of misuse and preventing potential harm, we are helping to create healthier tomorrows for the people who live and work in our community.”
Law enforcement officials from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Walton Beach Police Department will be on site during the event to collect various medications, including tablets, capsules, and patches of commonly misused prescriptions like Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl, among others. Though needles and liquid drugs in non-leak-proof containers will not be permitted, participants are urged to bring ointments, lotions, drops, even pet medication.
Through several programs, HCA Healthcare has been heavily engaged in the fight against prescription drug abuse. Using “big data” from about 43 million yearly patient visits, the company has led the way in improving patient care techniques and altering pain management approaches. Programs like Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS) and Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) have significantly lessened the need for opioid prescriptions, therefore proving HCA’s dedication to creative ideas in medical treatment and drug abuse avoidance.
Fort Walton Beach residents as well as those in the neighboring communities are urged to help this important project. The event details are as follows:
- HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
1000 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
- HCA Florida Navarre Emergency
1809 Granada Street, Navarre, FL 32566
Both locations will host the take-back program from 9:00 AM to noon on October 26.
For more information about the “Crush the Crisis” event or to learn more about the safe disposal of prescription drugs, interested individuals can visit this link or call the toll-free number (833) 582-1970. This event not only protects the environment but also safeguards the health and safety of the community, reinforcing the collective responsibility towards a drug-free society.
