Escondido, CA (August 25, 2018) —- Prescription drug abuse has become a leading cause of accidental deaths in San Diego County, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office. Grandparents can play an important role in the battle against prescription drug abuse by becoming more aware about the problem and properly disposing of unused medication.
To help spread the word and promote safe disposal of unused and expired medication, prevention organizations and the Escondido Police Department are participating in the 7th Annual North County Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) Symposium. This event will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the North Inland Live Well Center (649 W. Mission Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025).
A portable drop box will be on site so participants can dispose of unused or expired medication and learn about important precautions, such as taking medication as directed, not sharing prescriptions with family members and securing medication in a safe place away from visitors and youth.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, persons age 65 years and older comprise only 13 percent of the population, yet account for more than one-third of total outpatient spending on prescription medication in the United States. Prescription drug abuse is one of the nation’s fastest growing drug problems. Every day, more than 1,600 teenagers use a prescription drug for the first time, according to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
About 64 percent of teens ages 12 to 17 who have abused pain relievers say they got them from their friends or relatives, typically without their knowledge, according to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
By simply removing unused prescriptions from the home and disposing of them safely, grandparents and others can help reduce youth access to prescription drugs.
According to a 2018 Safe Disposal Survey of over 3,000 San Diego County residents, nearly two-thirds report properly disposing of their medication. With over 3 million people in the County and 13percent age 65 or over, many more residents still need to be informed.
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Symposium is a free community event hosted in partnership with YMCA of San Diego County and 2-1-1 San Diego to provide information, resources and services to grandparents raising grandchildren and other relative caregivers raising young family members.
This year’s symposium, “Our Adventure: Finding Beauty on the Road Less Traveled,” will focus on self-care, family fun activities and building support networks. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an array of activities throughout the day to connect with other families and individuals with similar life experiences and learn about local support groups.
To register online, visit:
For more information on prescription drug abuse, proper disposal and permanent drop box locations, visit San Diego Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force.
About North Coastal Prevention Coalition (NCPC)
The mission of NCPC is to reduce the harm of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs in the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista through community action, education, support and collaboration. Funded in part by the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services through a contract with Vista Community Clinic. For more information visit: www.northcoastalpreventioncoalition.org
