All Six Mission Health Hospitals To Host Prescription Drug Take Back Day On October 24th
This week, Mission Health announced that all six hospitals will host their annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day on Saturday, October 24th, 2026. The event provides more accessible access to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs and raise awareness of the dangers of prescription drug misuse. The timing of the event coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offering the community an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of medications to help prevent misuse.
“Unused medications can easily be forgotten in a cabinet or drawer, but safely disposing of them is an important step we can all take to keep our communities safer,” said Peter DeYoung, Chief Medical Officer of Mission Health. “Through Crush the Crisis, we’re proud to give our community a safe, anonymous and convenient way to take that step and help create a healthier tomorrow for Western North Carolina.”
All six Mission Health hospitals are participating as part of HCA Healthcare’s eighth annual national “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day. Since 2019, HCA Healthcare has helped safely dispose of more than 108,500 pounds of unused or expired medication.
These Mission Health hospitals are accepting medications for disposal from 10am to noon:
Angel Medical Center, 124 One Center Court, Franklin
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, 125 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, 190 Hospital Drive, Highlands
Mission Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Asheville
Mission Hospital McDowell, 430 Rankin Drive, Marion
Transylvania Regional Hospital, 260 Hospital Drive, Brevard
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 7.2 million people age 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers in 2025.
In addition to the drop off options at the local hospitals, all the area Police Departments will be collection, 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, vape cartridges without batteries and pet medication will also be accepted. Any medications will be accepted; however, needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted.
