OGDEN – Ogden Regional Medical Center will host its 4th Crush the Crisis event on Saturday, Oct. 29, to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of proper disposal of unused or expired medications.

The event coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

“Almost every day, we see the devastating consequences of drug misuse and abuse,” said David Perkins, chief nursing officer at Ogden Regional Medical Center. “As a leading healthcare provider in northern Utah, we believe it is vital to increase awareness of this important issue and offer our community a safe way to dispose of medications to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.”

Last year, there were more than 107,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States and 134 in Utah, nearly a 15% increase from 2020. Additionally, fentanyl deaths in Utah have more than doubled in the past two years, according to the Utah Drug Monitoring Initiative’s annual report.

According to University of Utah Health College of Nursing, opioids are responsible for eight out of 10 adult overdose deaths in any given week in the state.

During last year’s event, HCA Healthcare facilities in 17 states collected 15,566 pounds of unused and expired prescription drugs across the nation. HCA Healthcare is the parent company of Ogden Regional Medical Center. Crush the Crisis will be held at the hospital, 5475 S. 500 East from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the northeast side of the campus.

Law enforcement officials from Ogden City Police Department aim to collect tablets, capsules and patches. Ointments, lotions, drops, liquid medication in leak-proof containers, pet medicine and vape cartridges without batteries will also be accepted. Needles, lancets and syringes will not be accepted.

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