HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital will host its second annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- The event aims to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications. It coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
National drug overdose deaths decreased by nearly 27% in 2024, but prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States, according to the hospital. In Florida alone, there were over 4,000 prescription drug-related deaths in 2024.
Research shows a significant number of drug addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused medications from family and friends.
Law enforcement officers from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department will collect tablets, capsules and patches of various opioid medications, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol, codeine, fentanyl, morphine, hydromorphone and oxymorphone. Ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medication in leak-proof containers, vape cartridges without batteries and pet medications will also be accepted.
- Needles, syringes, lancets or loose liquids will not be accepted.
The event is part of HCA Healthcare’s seventh annual national “Crush the Crisis” prescription take back day. Since 2019, HCA Healthcare has helped safely dispose of more than 88,000 pounds of unused or expired medication.
Participants will enter the hospital property at 1000 Mar Walt Drive in Fort Walton Beach and proceed to a drive-through drop-off location under the hospital overhang at the front of the hospital. Parking is also available.
