By Ashley Murray, Kansas Reflector

Photo: CC0 Public Domain by Renjith Krishnan R

August 30, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) — Medicare can now negotiate lower prices for 10 common high-price drugs, cutting out-of-pocket costs for an estimated 9 million seniors and saving taxpayers billions, the Biden administration said Tuesday.

By David R. Shorey, East County Programs Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

David R. Shorey

February 16, 2021 (San Diego) -- San Diego Sheriff’s stations and headquarters have been available for more than a decade for disposal of unused prescription medication. There are 26 such drop-off locations throughout San Diego County and the program has collected over 100,000 pounds of prescriptions so far. For some, going to a law enforcement location to dispose of prescription drugs can be an uncomfortable experience. So the potential of medication being flushed down the drain or falling into the hands of those other than prescribed is heightened. This poses an environmental threat and a deadly threat, especially to youth.

By David R. Shorey

Photo credit:  CC by SA

East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

April 1, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - If you were to open my medicine cabinet today, you would probably find a few bottles of prescription medication that I stopped using or didn’t need to finish. Perhaps I’ve forgotten I have them for pain medication, or I might be saving them for an “emergency.” Unfortunately, the availability of excess medication contributes to the problem with prescription medication abuse in the United States.

By Miriam Raftery

July 8, 2017 (La Mesa) – The California State Medical Board is seeking to revoke the medical license of La Mesa psychiatrist Harry C. Henderson III.  The causes for disciplinary action include gross negligence, repeated negligence, repeated excessive prescribing of narcotics, prescribing without appropriate medical examination or medical need, prescribing to addicts, and failure to maintain adequate records.

By Leon Thompson

Photo: Fatty acids in the blood of a person with high cholesterol and high triglycerides.

June 11, 2016 (East County) – High cholesterol plagues millions of Americans.  Too much of the wrong cholesterol can predispose a narrowing and hardening of arteries leading to stroke or coronary artery disease (CAD).  CAD is the number one killer of men in America and the second most deadly disease among women, second only to breast cancer.

July 7, 2014 (San Diego)--Uninformed or improper use of prescription drugs harms an estimated 150,000 Californians each year and contributes to an estimated $1.7 billion in economic losses throughout the state.

September 29, 2011 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Police Department will hold five Sector Watch Community Forums starting in October.  Previous meetings have been very well received and will again involve all five sectors in the City. This is a n opportunity for residents to ask Police and other City department representatives questions,  voice any concerns about your neighborhood, or say “thank you” for a job well done.  You can also sign up for a Neighborhood Watch program. All meetings will be from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.