Two Las Vegas Hospitals to partner with local law enforcement to encourage the safe disposal of unused or expired medication.
Las Vegas, NV – The Sunrise Healthcare System is hosting “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. 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.
WHY:
For the first time since 2018, national drug overdose deaths are decreasing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States. In Las Vegas alone, the rate of nonmedical use of prescription-type pain relievers was higher in the Las Vegas-Paradise Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) than nationally, with 6.7 percent in the MSA vs.4.9 in the Nation.
Research shows a significant number of drug addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused medications from family and friends.
WHAT:
Crush the Crisis – Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The event aims to educate the community on the risk of prescription drug misuse while providing a safe and anonymous way to dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits.
Sunrise Healthcare System is participating as part of HCA Healthcare’s sixth annual national “Crush the Crisis” prescription take back day. Last year, more than 120 HCA Healthcare facilities from all 15 U.S.divisions partnered with local law enforcement to collect and safely dispose of 13,136 pounds of medication — an estimated 9.02 million doses.
Law enforcement officers from the Metropolitan Police 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). Ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medication (in leak-proof containers) and vape cartridges (without batteries) and pet medications will also be accepted.
Any medications are accepted; however, needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.
Interviews and video will be made available at Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center only.
WHO:
Southern Hills Hospital & MountainView Hospital employees, including doctors, nurses and staff, and members of Metro invite community members to dispose of unused medications safely.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:00am - 2:00pm
WHERE:
We will have two convenient drop off locations at:
Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center
At the corner of Sunset & Quarterhorse Ln.
9300 W. Sunset Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89148
MountainView Hospital
Main Lobby Entrance/drive
3100 N Tenaya Way
Las Vegas, NV 89128
Please call (702) 250-6906 for more information.