Wichita, KS – Wesley Healthcare is hosting its 4th annual “Crush the Crisis” national opioid take back day to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications, on Saturday, October 29, 2022. The event coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and invites the community to safely dispose of unused or expired medication before they may be obtained and misused.
WHY:
Prescription drug misuse is a public health crisis in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021, almost a 15 percent increase from 2020.
In 2021 alone, 295 people died in Sedgwick County due to overdoses.
A significant number of opioid addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused opioids from family and friends.
WHAT:
Crush the Crisis – Opioid Take Back Day
The event aims to educate the community on the risk of opioid 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 fourth annual national “Crush the Crisis” opioid take back day. Last year, 96 HCA Healthcare facilities in 17 states collected 15,566 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications at “Crush the Crisis” events across the nation.
Law enforcement officers 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 invite community members to safely dispose of unused medications.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 29, 2021 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
WHERE:
Wesley Medical Center
500 N Hillside
LOCATION:
Main Entrance off Hillside
Please call Scott Evans (316) 364-0819 for more information.