Get rid of bad drugs and old drugs - it's easy

HCA Florida Yulee Emergency is hosting its first annual “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. The event will be held on Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at HCA Florida Yulee Emergency, 462541 SR 200, Yulee.

The event, which coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 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.

Law enforcement officers 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.

Just drive through with your leftover medications. An appreciation gift will be provided to all those who drop off their unused or expired medications.

National drug overdose deaths decreased by nearly 27% in 2024, however, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States. In Florida alone, EMS overdose responses totaled 82,805 in 2024. Fatal overdoses in 2023 in the state totaled 7,220 people. More than 11.2 million prescriptions were dispensed last year (according to FLHealthCHARTS).

Research shows a significant number of drug addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused medications from family and friends.

The drug take back event is being held in collaboration with the Community Coalition Alliance and several other Nassau County partners including the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, Fernandina Beach Police Department, Hagan Ace Hardware in Yulee and Callahan, and Hilliard Pharmacy.

HCA Florida Putnam Hospital is also hosting a Crush the Crisis on Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Palatka Walmart – parking lot, 1024 S. State Road 19, Palatka.