DEDICATION THAT GOES BEYOND THE CURB

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Safe Disposal and Naloxone: Key to Combating Opioid Crisis

The fight against fentanyl took center stage during a community forum at Oceanside High School on May 16, the week after the DEA declared May 9 “National Fentanyl Awareness Day.” The forum was organized by the District Attorney’s Office, Oceanside Unified School District, and Oceanside Police Department.

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death in the United States for people 18-45 years of age, far exceeding the number of deaths by suicide, car crashes, and gun homicides. The Medical Examiner’s Offices reports that in San Diego County, 20 people under 20 died from fentanyl in 2021, a trend they had not seen in previous years.

District Attorney Summer Stephan says most illicit drugs available today contain fentanyl. Fake pills are often passed-off to unknowing victims as prescription-grade Oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall, and Percocet. Illegal powdered drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin also contain fentanyl. She declared the days of drug experimentation over. With fentanyl’s high toxicity, too many people aren’t getting a second chance.

Parents who have lost teenage and young adult children to fentanyl poisoning shared their stories and answered questions. Some of these parents are featured in the documentary “Dead on Arrival,” available at www.stopthevoid.org.

KOCT was on hand to film the event and has posted it on YouTube for those unable to attend: https://youtu. be/hueV2dDNYYo

To help empower community members to save lives, attendees were trained to respond to a fentanyl emergency and received free boxes of naloxone (Narcan), the opioid reversal medication.

The County HHSA and Sheriff’s Department also distribute naloxone (Narcan) free of charge to the public. Locations can be found at https://up2sd.org/ topics/substances#fentanyl

Many people struggling with substance misuse begin with a legitimate prescription for pain medication. Medications should be stored safely and securely and disposed of when no longer needed or expired.

DEA-authorized prescription drug drop boxes are located throughout the County. In Oceanside, these can be found at Oceanside Operations Center at 4297 Oceanside Blvd. (call 760-435-4500 for details), Rite Aid at 1201 South Coast Highway, Albertson Savon stores at 3450 Marron Rd. and 3925 Mission Ave., and Walgreens at 3752 Mission Ave. and 3507 Cannon Rd.

The County of San Diego provides an interactive map with locations of authorized drug drop-off sites. It can be accessed through the QR code below: Resources and services are available to assist with screening, treatment, and recovery for individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD). The Access and Crisis line is open year-round, 24/7, at (888)724-7240.