HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency is hosting its inaugural Crush the Crisis Prescription Drug Take Back Day to help make safe medication disposal more accessible and raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. The event, which is held annually at HCA facilities across the nation, is on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, and coincides with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event offers area residents an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of medications that may be left over from previous medical procedures or treatment.
This year marks HCA Healthcare’s eighth annual national Crush the Crisis prescription drug take back day. Since 2019, HCA Healthcare has helped safely dispose of more than 108,500 pounds of unused or expired medication.
WHY: Research shows a significant number of drug addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused medications from family and friends. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 7.2 million people age 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers in 2025.
While Florida has seen a significant decline in fatal drug overdoses, drug misuse remains a serious health issue. Florida recorded 5,501 fatal drug overdoses in 2024, including 3,820 opioid overdose deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health.
WHAT: Law enforcement officers from the DeFuniak Springs Police Department will be collecting: prescription medication tablets, capsules and patches, ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medication (in leak-proof containers) and vape cartridges (without batteries) and pet medications will be accepted. Needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will NOT be accepted.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency
160 Twin Springs Way
DeFuniak Springs, FL
From I-10, turn onto HWY 331 North and follow Crush the Crisis Signs to HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency which is located right off the exit.
WHO: DeFuniak Police Department will be on site to accept medications.
Call Denise Kendust (850-428-2622) for more information or if you plan to be on-site the day of the event. Denise.Kendust@HCAHealthcare.com
