Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 marked the 21st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day coordinated by the DEA. San Diego County hosted nearly 20 locations this year, including five in North County. These prevention efforts are promoted county-wide.
North Coastal Prevention Coalition (NCPC) was pleased to participate at Take Back events in Oceanside at the Oceanside Police Department and Vista at the Vista Courthouse. Those sites combined collected approximately 550 pounds of unused medications.
In Oceanside, the Starbucks located at 3760 Mission Avenue, generously donated coffee and pastries to all the volunteers at the Oceanside Police Department while members of the community did their part by safely disposing of their unused and expired medications.
According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, among people aged 12 or older approximately 9.5 million people misused opioids in the past year. Of those who misused opioids in the past year, 9.3 million people misused prescription pain relievers. 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 www.SDPDATF.org
