HCA FLORIDA HOSPITALS AND EMERGENCY ROOMS HOST “CRUSH THE CRISIS” PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY ON OCTOBER 17
Hospitals partner with local law enforcement to encourage the safe disposal of medications
HCA Florida Blake Hospital and HCA Florida Braden River Emergency are hosting the annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day. The event raises awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of proper disposal of unused or expired medications. The community has an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of medications that may be left over from previous medical procedures or other medical visits.
WHY: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, national drug overdose deaths continued to decline in 2025, decreasing by nearly 14%, but prescription drug misuse remains a public health concern. Research shows many drug addictions and overdose deaths begin when individuals access unused medications from family and friends.
WHAT: Since 2019, HCA Healthcare has helped to safely dispose of more than 88,000 pounds of unused or expired medication.
Law enforcement officers from the Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will be on site to collect: tablets, capsules and patches of Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin), Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), Tramadol (Ultram), Codeine, Fentanyl (Duragesic), Morphine, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and Oxymorphone (Opana). Liquid medication, needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted. People turning in medication should remove pills from containers and place them in clear, plastic storage bags for easier disposal.
WHO: Hospital employees, including pharmacists, nurses and staff, and members of local law enforcement agencies invite community members to dispose of unused medications safely.
WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00 a.m.- noon
WHERE: There will be two convenient locations for the public to drop off unused medications. These will be convenient drive-up events:
HCA Florida Blake Hospital
2020 59th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34209
HCA Florida Braden River Emergency
8500 SR 70 East, Bradenton, FL 34202
VISUALS: Uniformed law enforcement officers will be collecting medications as people drive up. Last year, more than 160 pounds of medication were turned in.
*Link to video from 2025 event: https://vimeo.com/1128512483/299636db9f