The numbers are staggering. More than 130 people die every day from an opioid overdose and more than half of the people who misuse these drugs get them or steal them from someone they know. That’s why we are looking to #CrushTheCrisis.

Doctors Hospital announced they’ll host a Prescription Drug Take Back Event On Saturday, September 7^th from 9am – 2pm. The event, in partnership with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, offers a safe, secure way for people to discard unused and expired prescriptions. Anyone can drop off unneeded or expired medications.

The Sheriff’s Office will be set up at a tent outside the hospital main entrance. People can drop off their medications with no questions asked. Elderly participants can drive up and a deputy will secure the medications from them.

“Many elderly people have medication and don’t know how to dispose of it. Flushing medicine down the toilet is a common myth, but is not the correct way to discard of unused medications,” said Dr. John Farr, Chief Medical Officer, Doctors Hospital.  “Law enforcement officials can make sure that any medication in your medicine cabinet is disposed of properly. We are glad to partner with Sheriff Roundtree and his team to provide this service to our community,” Farr added.

This event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Saturday, September 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Doctors Hospital Main Entrance, 3651 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA

Doctors Hospital’s event is one of many of medication take back events being held across the country by HCA Healthcare facilities. With 185 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care, HCA Healthcare is committed to curbing the tide of opioid misuse and addiction.

What are opioids? 

Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat active and chronic pain and are often prescribed following surgery, injury or for health conditions such as cancer.

Common types of prescription opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine and methadone.

Other opiates include fentanyl and heroin

Why are opioids addictive?

Opioid medications bind to the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions, driving levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain’s reward areas and producing an intense feeling of euphoria. As the brain becomes used to the feelings, it often takes more and more of the drug to produce the same levels of pain relief and well-being, leading to dependence and, later, addiction.