Parkridge Health System will host its annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back event on Saturday, Oct. 25 to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and promote safe disposal practices of unused or expired medications. The event, which coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offers the community an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of medications.

National drug overdose deaths decreased by nearly 27% in 2024 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States.

“Crush the Crisis is more than a one-day event; it represents our commitment to the health and safety of the communities we serve,” said Walter Kerschl, MD, chief medical officer for Parkridge Health System. “By offering the community a responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications, we are creating a safer, healthier future for our families, friends and community.”

Since launching in 2018, HCA Healthcare’s Crush the Crisis events have collected more than 88,600 pounds of medications, equivalent to tens of millions of doses. In 2024, more than 21,000 pounds were collected across more than 125 sites.

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, vape cartridges without batteries and pet medication will also be accepted. Needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.

“Crush the Crisis” will be held at Parkridge North ER located at 7402 Lee Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37421 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on October 25.

For more information, visit hcahealthcare.com/crushthecrisis.