Giving communities we serve a healthier tomorrow

Prescription drug misuse is a public health crisis in the United States. Encouragingly, for the first time since 2018, national prescription drug misuse is decreasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2023 – decreasing 3% from 111,029 deaths estimated in 2022.

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.5 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.8 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives and 4.3 million people misused prescription stimulants in 2022. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, HCA Healthcare facilities across the U.S. partnered with local law enforcement to collect and properly dispose of unused and expired medications. With our community’s support, HCA Healthcare is helping address the opioid epidemic by removing these potentially addictive and even fatal medications from falling into the hands of those who may abuse them.

Currently, we do not have any take back day events scheduled. However, you may still dispose of your prescription medications for safe and proper disposal by visiting your nearest year-round medication drop-off location listed on the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division website.