Mission Health earlier this month collected 270 pounds of medications, including 14 pounds at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, during its third annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take-back day.
The event aligns directly with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. It all serves to raise awareness of the dangers of drug misuse and the importance of safe, proper disposal of unused or expired medications.
Community members did their part across Western North Carolina by dropping off their unused and expired medications. Law enforcement officers and other officials collected and disposed of the drugs with no questions asked.
Mission collected 91 more pounds this year compared to 2021. Mission Hospital of Asheville collected 142 pounds and Mission Hospital McDowell clocked in with 58 pounds.
As an HCA affiliate, Mission uses “big data” to reduce opioid misuse and transform pain management.