Wesley healthcare to host "Crush the Crisis" prescription drug take back day

Wichita, KS – Wesley Healthcare is hosting its 6^th annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. The event, which coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offers the community an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits.

 WHY:             For the first time since 2018, national drug overdose deaths are decreasing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States.

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

The event aims to educate the community on the risk of prescription drug misuse while providing a safe and anonymous way to dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits.

Wesley Healthcare is 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 from will be collecting: tablets, capsules and patches of Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin), Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), Tramadol (Ultram), Codeine, Fentanyl (Duragesic), Morphine, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and Oxymorphone (Opana). Ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medication (in leak-proof containers) and vape cartridges (without batteries) and pet medications will also be accepted.

Any medications are accepted; however, needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.

WHO: Wesley Healthcare employees, including doctors, nurses and staff, and members of local law enforcement agencies invite community members to dispose of unused medications safely.  Interviews available with Wesley Healthcare colleagues.

WHEN:          Saturday, October 26, 2024
                        10 AM – 2 PM

WHERE:        Wesley Medical Center, 550 N Hillside

* The collection site will be located at the hospital's main entrance, which is easily accessible from Hillside Street.