Saturday, April 24, 2021 marked the 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day coordinated by the DEA. San Diego County hosted nearly 20 locations this year, including five in North County,
In total, the San Diego Field Division collected 7,850 pounds of unused, expired, and unwanted medications.
NCPC was pleased to participate at Take Back events in Oceanside (overseen by the Oceanside Police Department at Tri-City Medical Center), and Vista (overseen by the District Attorney’s Office Investigations Unit at the Vista Courthouse). Those sites collected approximately 650 pounds of medications combined.
Tri-City Medical Center worked extremely hard this year to make sure their drive-thru drop-off location could be open to North County communities. “Tri-City Medical Center is committed to partnering with organizations like the North Coastal Prevention Coalition (NCPC) and law enforcement to reduce access to dangerous drugs in our community,” said Aaron Byzak, chief external affairs officer for Tri-City Medical Center (TCMC) and president of NCPC’s Board of Directors. “Participation in the National Take Back Day is an important part of that effort.”
NCPC also took the opportunity to distribute the County’s fentanyl alert flyers to Take Back participants due to the large spike in overdose deaths seen throughout the county.
There has been a growing trend of fentanyl-laced methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, and other recreational drugs identified by local law enforcement. 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.
NCPC and Vista Community Clinic are partners in a countywide effort to expand outreach and presentations to new segments of our communities to increase understanding about the dangers of fentanyl. The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has been a tremendous partner in helping spread the word. For more information about the fentanyl crisis and community presentations please contact John Byrom at jbyrom@vcc.org.
While San Diego County’s current overdose crisis is driven by the illicit drug market, including illicit fentanyl, reducing access to all substances, including prescription medications, is one part of the solution. It’s never too late to dispose of unused or expired mediation, especially opioid and pain medication. If you missed Take Back Day, you can find a year-round collection site at http://www.DEATakeBack.com.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with prescription drug abuse, visit www.SDPDATF.org or call the Access and Crisis Line at 888-724-7240.
