Local organizations join forces for Drug Take Back Day at Brandon Hospital

In 2023, drug overdoses caused 583 deaths in Hillsborough County. Although these deaths are 8% lower than 2022, the numbers are still far too high. It’s a statistic Cathy Valdes, 42-year Hillsborough County veteran educator, knows all too well. She was a first grade-teacher, a principal and retired as the Deputy Superintendent. She loves children and has dedicated her life to improving young lives across Hillsborough County, but the drug pandemic and its impact on kids was not a journey she ever expected to join. That is until 2008 when her 24-year old son, Michael, died from a drug overdose. Now, Cathy shares Michael’s story and serves as the Chapter President of NOPE Hillsborough. Cathy will join the Anti-drug Alliance, State Attorney Suzy Lopez, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and HCA Florida Brandon Hospital in a press conference at the hospital at 11:30 am on April 26 to encourage the community to empty old and unused medications from their cabinets and bring them for disposal at Brandon Hospital the following day.

When: April 26 at 11:30 am

Where: Children’s Emergency Entrance, HCA Florida Brandon Hospital

Who:   Dr. Michael Haynes, Pediatric Emergency Physician

            Ellen Snelling, Anti-drug Alliance

            Cathy Valdes, NOPE Hillsborough

            William Stockman, DEA Miami Field Division Diversion Program

Suzy Lopez, State Attorney

            Sheriff Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Media are encouraged to attend, so that the community can prepare to bring these medications for disposal on April 27. Law enforcement and volunteers will host the DEA Drug Take Back Day at Brandon Hospital at the same location as the press conference on April 27, 10 am – 2 pm.