Two HealthONE hospitals host prescription drug take back day on April 27
Event occurs in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.
Denver, CO — The Medical Center of Aurora and Centennial Hospital, both part of the HealthONE system, are partnering with local law enforcement on a 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, April 27, 2024. The events, which coincide with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offer the community an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits.
WHY: Prescription drug misuse is a public health crisis in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 109,170 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2022, an increase from 2021.
A significant number of drug addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused medications from family and friends.
WHAT: Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The events aim 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.
Law enforcement officers from local law enforcement agencies 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.
WHO: HealthONE colleagues, including doctors, nurses and staff, and members of local law enforcement invite community members to dispose of unused medications safely.
WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
WHERE:
The Medical Center of Aurora in partnership with Aurora PD: 1501 S. Potomac Street, Aurora, CO (collection area located in the parking lot north of the hospital on Potomac St. between E. Arkansas Dr. and E. Louisiana Ave.)
Centennial Hospital in partnership with Arapahoe Sheriff: @Arapahoe County Sheriff, 13101 E. Bronco’s Pkwy, Centennial, CO (follow event signs to the drive-thru drop-off)