Over 700 Pounds of Prescription Drugs Collected in North County on National Prescription Take-Back Day
Saturday, October 26, 2019 marked the 18th Annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. San Diego County hosted nearly 40 locations, including 11 in North County and Camp Pendleton area.
In the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, approximately 700 pounds of unused or expired prescription medications were collected, nearly 400 more pounds than the Take Back Day in April 2019.
Young Marines, Oceanside Police Department, and youth volunteered at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside and the Sheriff’s Department in Vista and surveyed nearly 170 participants to determine how people hear about Take Back Day. About 1 in 3 people heard about Take Back Day on television news, followed by 1 in 6 from the newspaper. But electronic communication is needed too – emails, social media, Nextdoor, and websites also helped inform the public.
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 9.9 million Americans have misused controlled prescription drugs. North Coastal Prevention Coalition (NCPC) highly encourages those who have left-over prescription medications to find a year-round disposal site near-by. To find a collection site, visit http://www.DEATakeBack.com and if you or a family member is struggling with prescription drug abuse, please call (877) 662-6384 or visit
