West Valley and Caldwell Police collect nearly 100 pounds of unused medications

Caldwell, Idaho — West Valley Medical Center and the Caldwell Police Department collected 93 pounds during the 6th annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day. The event, held Saturday, October 25 along with the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, helps raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications.

‌West Valley Medical Center 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.

National drug overdose deaths decreased by nearly 27% in 2024, however, prescription drug misuse remains a public health crisis in the United States. In Idaho alone, 212 deaths in 2024 were related to opioid overdose, according to the Department of Health and Welfare.

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