October 2 2020 – Lawnwood Regional Medical Center is hosting a “Crush the Crisis” opioid take back day to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and proper disposal of medications. Community members are invited to safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The event, which aligns with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, will take place on October 24, 2020 at Lawnwood.
WHY: Opioid addiction is a national health crisis. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 67,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2018, with more than half attributed to opioids.
Stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic may be exacerbating the opioid crisis by causing many Americans to have feelings of anxiety, grief, isolation, financial worry, and an ongoing sense of uncertainty. Since the pandemic began 40 states have reported increases in opioid-related mortality, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).
WHAT: Crush the Crisis – Opioid Take Back Day
Lawnwood is participating as part of HCA Healthcare’s second annual national “Crush the Crisis” opioid take back day. In fall 2019, 100 HCA Healthcare facilities in 16 states collected 5,887 pounds of unused and expired medications at nationwide “Crush the Crisis” events.
Law enforcement officers from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department 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).
We will not be able to accept needles, syringes, lancets or liquids.
COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place at the event, including universal masking, social distancing, removal of high-touch items and a drive-through collection option.
WHO: Lawnwood employees and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s department invite community members to safely dispose of unused medications.
WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2020
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: Lawnwood Regional Medical Center
1700 S 23rd St
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Parking available at Location
