Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center to host “Crush the Crisis” opioid take back day on October 23

Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center announced today that it is hosting its annual opioid take back event to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and proper disposal of medications on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Called “Crush the Crisis,” the event aligns with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and invites community members to safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired prescription medications.

“Opioid addiction is a national health crisis, and it is imperative that we get unused pain medications out of homes where they can easily end up in the wrong hands,” said Dr. Neil Kooy, chief medical officer of Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center. “We invite you to join us for this year’s ‘Crush the Crisis’ to properly dispose of your unused medications and help us in educating the community about the serious threat of opioid misuse.”

Law enforcement officers from the Bay 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). All medications are accepted, however needles, syringes, lancets, inhalers or liquids will not be accepted. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place at the event, including masking and social distancing.

Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center is participating as part of HCA Healthcare’s third annual national “Crush the Crisis” opioid take back day. In October 2020, 95 HCA Healthcare facilities in 18 states collected 13,523 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications at “Crush the Crisis” events around the country.

“Crush the Crisis” will take place at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center’s Outpatient Surgery Center at 449 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL  32405. For more information, visit www.hcahealthcare.com/campaigns/crush-the-crisis or call toll free number at (833) 582-1970.