HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors North Emergency is hosting the annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 to help raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications. The event, which coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offers the community an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits. “Education and prevention are our best tools when it comes reducing drug related overdoses and deaths. Since 2013, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has collected nearly 12,000 pounds of prescription pills through take-back initiatives,” said Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells. Drug misuse and abuse has significant impacts on our community,” said Jenn Bocker, MD, chief medical officer of HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. “We are proud to support and help educate people on the proper disposal of medications.” Law enforcement officers from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting tablets, capsules and patches. Pills should be removed from any container with personal health information and placed in clear, plastic, sealable bags. Needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.

Date: this Saturday, October 28, Time: 9:00 am- Noon, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors North Emergency, 8500 SR 70 East, Bradenton. 34202.