Reflects on roots of take-back program
Vista, CA – Tri-City Medical Center’s (TCMC) very own Chief External Affairs Officer Aaron Byzak was a key part in creating the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day. Back in 2009, Byzak was the Founding Co-Chair of the Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force of San Diego County. Under his leadership, the task force pioneered one of the first large-scale take-back events in the country and helped spur its adoption nationwide.
“It is important if you see an opportunity to reduce risk in the community that you take it.” With personal and professional experience witnessing lives destroyed by substance abuse, Byzak, who also serves as president of the North Coastal Prevention Coalition (NCPC), is passionate about removing drugs from the community. “Far too many young people have access in their immediate surroundings to these drugs, whether it is in their own medicine cabinet or out in the community.”
The task force started with a multifaceted approach to raising awareness about prescription drug abuse and passed a number of policies, including those focused on removing old prescriptions that sit idle on medicine cabinet shelves, particularly OxyContin. Now the conversation has shifted to a broader range of prescription drugs, including fentanyl, an even stronger drug that can be found in nearly every illegal drug on the black market. Fentanyl is blamed for a growing number of local overdose deaths each year.
“Fentanyl has been a game changer,” Byzak said. “It’s removed the excuse of, ‘Well, I just do this, insert drug, not fentanyl.’ Most of the people who overdose on fentanyl never had any intention of taking it, because it is laced in these other drugs, including counterfeit prescription medications.”
That is why it is important to come out and safely dispose of your prescriptions. Tri-City Medical Center is teaming up with law enforcement to provide a drive-up drop box location in the medical center’s parking lot near the main entrance on OCTOBER 29th, from 10 am – 2 pm.
WHEN: OCTOBER 29th 10 am – 2 pm
WHERE: 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056
About Tri-City Medical Center…Tri-City Medical Center has served our community for more than 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County. As a full-service acute care hospital with three primary care clinics and over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties, Tri-City is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our citizens. The hospital has received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community.
Tri-City Medical Center prides itself on being the home to leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in world-class women’s health, robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Tri-City’s Emergency Department is there for your loved ones in their time of need and is highly regarded for our heart attack and stroke treatment programs. When minutes matter Tri-City is your source for quality compassionate care close to home. The hospital operates the largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
(NICU) in North County….Tri-City partners with more than 80 local non-profit and community organizations as part of our COASTAL Commitment initiative. Together we are helping tackle some of our communities’ pressing health and social needs.
For more information about Tri-City Medical Center and Tri-City Healthcare District, please visit tricitymed.org.
