Wesley Healthcare to host "Crush the Crisis" prescription drug take back day

Wichita, Kan. — Wesley Healthcare is hosting its 7th annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. 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 that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits.

Why

National drug overdose deaths decreased by nearly 27% in 2024, however, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States. In Kansas alone, the state's overall number of overdose deaths fell by 15% in 2024.

Research shows a significant number of drug addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused medications from family and friends.

What

Crush the Crisis — Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The event aims to educate the community on the risk of prescription drug misuse while providing a safe and anonymous way to dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits.

Wesley Healthcare is participating as part of HCA Healthcare’s seventh annual national “Crush the Crisis” prescription take back day. Since 2019, HCA Healthcare has helped safely dispose of more than 88,000 pounds of unused or expired medication. The journey continues this year as the Company continues on the road to 100,000 pounds of collected medication. Wesley Healthcare collected more than 112 pounds last year alone.

Law enforcement officers from 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) and vape cartridges (without batteries) and pet medications will also be accepted.

Any medications are accepted; however, needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.

Who

Wesley Healthcare employees, including doctors, nurses and staff, and members of local law enforcement agencies invite community members to dispose of unused medications safely.  Interviews available with Wesley Healthcare colleagues.

When

Saturday, October 25, 2025
10:00am – 2:00pm

Where

Wesley Medical Center, 650 N. Rutan St.

* The collection site will be located under the canopy of the employee parking garage.