HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA), one of the largest healthcare providers in the United States, proudly announced the success of its sixth annual “Crush the Crisis” national prescription drug take-back day, collecting a record-breaking 21,137 pounds of unused or expired medications. This marks the highest amount ever collected in the event’s history, surpassing last year’s totals. Since launching the initiative in 2019, HCA Healthcare has now gathered a staggering total of over 88,600 pounds of medication, further solidifying its commitment to combating the opioid crisis and promoting public health.
“This year’s ‘Crush the Crisis’ event exceeded all expectations,” said Dr. Randy Fagin, Chief Medical Officer for HCA Healthcare’s National Group. “I’m incredibly proud of our colleagues who showed up in full support of their communities, helping to safely dispose of unused medications before they could fall into the wrong hands. This milestone year highlights the dedication of HCA Healthcare to the well-being of the communities we serve.”
The national initiative partnered HCA Healthcare facilities with local law enforcement to provide a secure and anonymous way for community members to dispose of unwanted medications. With over 125 collection sites nationwide, an estimated 14.5 million doses of medication were safely returned. The event was aligned with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which itself collected 629,953 pounds of medication.
Among the most successful collection sites this year were:
- CJW Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, which collected 992 pounds
- HCA HealthONE Aurora in Aurora, Colorado, with 861 pounds collected
- HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge in Lone Tree, Colorado, with 842 pounds
- Medical City McKinney in McKinney, Texas, which collected 694 pounds
- HCA HealthONE Mountain Ridge in Thornton, Colorado, which collected 534 pounds
HCA Healthcare has long been committed to using data and innovative approaches to improve healthcare outcomes. The organization leverages its vast network of approximately 43 million annual patient encounters to continuously improve care and reduce prescription drug misuse. One example is the use of data science in transforming pain management across its healthcare facilities, which includes initiatives such as:
- Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR): A multi-modal pain management approach that incorporates interventions before, during, and after surgery to optimize recovery. HCA Healthcare’s ESR programs have shown significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced opioid usage and faster recovery times.
- Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances (EPCS): This initiative aims to reduce opioid addiction, misuse, and related deaths by preventing medication-seekers from “doctor shopping” or altering prescriptions. Through EPCS, physicians have access to aggregated health data, allowing for more informed and judicious opioid prescribing practices.
HCA Healthcare’s efforts extend beyond its take-back programs, as the company continues to drive systemic changes in how medications are prescribed and managed. By utilizing the science of “big data,” the organization is not only improving care but also playing a key role in reducing the risk of opioid misuse and dependence.
About HCA Healthcare
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, HCA Healthcare is a prominent healthcare services provider operating 187 hospitals and approximately 2,400 ambulatory care sites, including surgery centers, urgent care clinics, freestanding emergency rooms, and physician clinics across 20 states and the United Kingdom. Established in 1968, HCA Healthcare revolutionized hospital care in the United States, using its combined resources to strengthen hospitals, improve patient care, and enhance medical practices. As a learning health system, HCA Healthcare uses its more than 43 million annual patient encounters to advance science, improve patient care, and save lives. The organization has been involved in numerous clinical studies, including one that demonstrated the benefits of full-term deliveries over early elective deliveries and another that developed a protocol reducing bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44%.
Through its ongoing commitment to improving public health and combating the opioid crisis, HCA Healthcare continues to lead the way in patient care and community safety.
