Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital will host HCA Healthcare’s sixth annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and highlight the importance of safely disposing of unused or expired medications. This event coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offering the community an opportunity to dispose of medications safely and anonymously before they can be misused.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, national drug overdose deaths in the U.S. decreased last year for the first time since 2018. In New Hampshire, fatal drug overdoses fell by 15% in the 12 months ending April 2024, compared to a 10% decline nationwide. However, prescription drug misuse remains a significant public health crisis in the United States.
“Our hospitals have been serving the Greater Seacoast and Rochester communities for decades, and our ‘Crush the Crisis’ prescription drug take back day is part of that commitment,” said Brian Sanders, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital. “By providing a safe and anonymous way to dispose of medications, we are helping to reduce the risk of misuse and promote healthier tomorrows for our community.”
In 2023, over 120 HCA Healthcare facilities from all 15 U.S. divisions partnered with local law enforcement agencies. Together, they collected approximately 13,136 pounds—equivalent to 9.02 million doses—of unused and expired prescription medications.
Law enforcement officers from the Portsmouth and Rochester Police Departments will be collecting tablets, capsules, and patches of the following medications: Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin), Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), Tramadol (Ultram), Codeine, Fentanyl (Duragesic), Morphine, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and Oxymorphone (Opana). Other accepted items include ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medications in leak-proof containers, vape cartridges (without batteries), and pet medications. However, needles, syringes, lancets, or illegal drugs will not be accepted.
“Crush the Crisis,” hosted by Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the following locations:
Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Main Parking Lot
333 Borthwick Ave.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Rochester Police Department
Main Parking Lot
23 Wakefield St.
Rochester, NH 03867