Methodist Healthcare
October 19, 2020

Crush the Crisis — Opioid Take Back Day

Accepted medications include tablets, capsules and patches of Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin), Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), Tramadol (Ultram), Codeine, Fentanyl (Duragesic), Morphine, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and Oxymorphone (Opana). We will not be able to accept needles, syringes, lancets or liquids.


  When:

Saturday, November 7 from 9:00am – 12:00pm

Where:

The drive-by medication drop-offs are conveniently located at:

Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant
8201 Ewing Halsell Drive, behind the hospital, at the Methodist Transplant Institute entrance.

Methodist ER Alamo Heights
250 E. Basse Rd., behind the Emergency Center

Methodist Hospital Northeast
12412 Judson Road, main entrance driveway

Who:

Hospital employees, including doctors, nurses and staff, and members of the San Antonio Police Department invite community members to safely dispose of unused medications.

Why:

Volunteers with Methodist Healthcare hospitals will partner with San Antonio Police Department for a “Crush the Crisis” opioid take back day. Community members are invited to safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and proper disposal of these medications.

Opioid addiction is a national health crisis. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 67,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2018, with more than half attributed to opioids. Stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic may be exacerbating the opioid crisis by causing many Americans to have feelings of anxiety, grief, isolation, financial worry, and an ongoing sense of uncertainty. For every 10 suspected overdoes reported to the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) in May 2019, 14 overdoses were reported in May 2020.

Since the pandemic began 40 states have reported increases in opioid-related mortality, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).

Note:

COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place at the event, including universal masking and social distancing. Attendees should stay in their cars and hand their items to SAPD when they approach their car.