Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 will mark the 21st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The event reflects ongoing efforts to combat the misuse of prescription medications by offering a safe and legal way to dispose of unused or unwanted medications. Authorities will be designate nearly 20 safe prescription drop-off locations throughout San Diego county, including five in North County,.
North Coastal Prevention Coalition
(NCPC) will be participating at the new location this year at alongside the Oceanside Police Department (OPD)—a strong supporter of DEA Take Back Days for over a decade—at a new location this year.
“When we learned Tri-City Medical Center was unable to host a location this October, we wanted to make sure our residents had a place to take unwanted or expired medications, and our station at 3855 Mission Avenue is centrally located,” stated OPD Captain Adam Knowland. “Our officers and emergency services have responded to over 30 overdoses this year. Though illicit drug use remains a problem, disposing of prescription medications is an important step in helping prevent a cycle of substance use.”
OPD’s location will be set up to take drive through drop offs, removing the need to get out of the car so there is no need to get out of the car. Vaping devices with batteries removed can also be forfeited. No sharp objects—like needles or broken glass—can be accepted..
The San Diego county Medical Examiner’s office announced a tragic 457 fentanyl related overdose deaths in San Diego in 2020 compared to 152 fentanyl related overdose deaths in 2019. Of those, 141 (over 30%) occurred in teens and young adults under 30.
Learn more about prescription opioids at https://www.sandiegoopioidproject.org/index.html and find additional information, help and resources at https://up2sd.org/.
It is never too late to dispose of unused or expired mediation, especially opioid and pain medication. To locate the nearest prescription drug drop off locations please visit: https://takebackday.dea.gov/
