More Than 160 Pounds of Unused Medications Collected During Local Drug Takeback Event
The Bradenton Police Department partnered with HCA Florida Blake Hospital, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday for the annual Crush the Crisis prescription drug takeback day, collecting more than 164 pounds of unused and expired medications.
The event, part of a nationwide effort to prevent prescription drug misuse and protect the environment, encouraged residents to safely dispose of medications that might otherwise end up misused or discarded improperly.
Community participation helped ensure that hundreds of bottles of pills were safely turned in for proper disposal. Similar events are held each year to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and to provide residents with a secure way to clean out their medicine cabinets.
For those who missed the event, the Bradenton Police Department continues to offer year-round medication disposal. Residents can drop off unwanted, expired, or unused prescription drugs at BPD headquarters, located at 100 10th Street West, during regular business hours. The “Operation Medicine Cabinet” drop box is available in the lobby for convenient, anonymous disposal.
Great to see HCA Florida hospitals stepping up for community health beyond just treating patients. These drug takeback events are super importnt for preventing opioid misuse and keeping medications out of the wrong hands or water supply. 164 pounds sounds like a lot but I bet there's still tons of unused meds sitting in people's cabinets. The year-round drop box at BPD headquarters is a smart move becuase it gives people a convenient option any time they need it, not just during special events. Would love to see more healthcare sistems make this kind of community engagement a regular thing.