All Mission Health hospitals will be hosting their 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.
National drug overdose deaths decreased by nearly 27% in 2024, however, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States. Research shows a significant number of drug addictions and overdose deaths come from individuals accessing unused medications from family and friends.
The Crush the Crisis – Prescription Drug Take Back Day 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.
All Mission Health hospitals listed below are 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.
Law enforcement officers will be onsite 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.
Participating Hospitals, times and locations:
- Angel Medical Center, 124 One Center Court, Franklin, from 10am to noon
- Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, 125 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, Entrance B, from 10am to noon
- Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, from 10am to noon
- Mission Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Asheville, from 10am to noon
- Mission Hospital McDowell, 430 Rankin Drive, Marion, Entrance 2, from 10am to noon
- Transylvania Regional Hospital, 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard, from 10am to 2pm
ABOUT MISSION HEALTH
Mission Health, located in Asheville, North Carolina, serves as the regional tertiary and quaternary care center in Western North Carolina and the adjoining region. Mission Hospital is licensed for 853 beds and is the region’s only Level II trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, Level III neonatal intensive care unit, and includes the only children’s hospital in Western North Carolina. Mission Hospital is also a Magnet® designated hospital for nursing excellence. For more information, please visit missionhealth.org or @MissionHealthNC.
