Doctors Hospital of Sarasota ER in Lakewood Ranch is teaming up with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to host “Crush the Crisis” opioid take-back day. The event raises awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the proper disposal of medications. Community members are invited to safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The event aligns with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Law enforcement officers from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting: tablets, capsules, and patches. Needles, syringes, lancets, inhalers, or liquids cannot be collected. This will be a convenient drive-through event. According to Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, “We’re finding that opioids are a gateway to very serious deadly drugs – like heroin. People with opioid pain killer addictions are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin than to alcohol, marijuana and cocaine combined. This is why we encourage everyone to properly dispose of their unused prescriptions during take-back day events like this one, and by using our prescription drop boxes at any of our district offices. Taking the time to clean out your medicine cabinet will save lives!”  The event will take place Saturday, October 23, 2021  10:00am-1:00pm at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota ER in Lakewood Ranch 8500 SR 70 Bradenton, 34202.

Hospital caregivers and members of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will be outside the ER collecting medications as people drive through. Last year, during the same event, almost 32 pounds of prescription drugs were collected.