We recently spoke with Dr. Katrina Babilonia, the director of pharmacy at Oviedo Medical Center, about what effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on the the opioid crisis in the U.S.
She also spoke about a Central Florida event for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which was Saturday. That's when HCA Healthcare facilities in Central Florida partnered with local law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and proper prescription medical disposal.
During "Crush the Crisis," HCA Healthcare facilities also collected unused and expired prescription medication. Drop-off locations across Central Florida included:
- Baldwin Park ER – 2361 N. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando
- Hunters Creek ER – 12100 S. John Young Parkway in Orlando
- Millenia ER – 4056 Millenia Blvd. in Orlando
- Heathrow ER – 4525 International Parkway in Sanford
- Oviedo Medical Center – 8300 Red Bug Lake Road in Oviedo
- Osceola Regional Medical Center – 700 West Oak Street in Kissimmee
- Poinciana Medical Center - 325 Cypress Parkway in Kissimmee
To learn more about the opioid crisis in Central Florida and how the pandemic has played a part, watch our conversation with Babilonia above.