Drug overdose ranks as one of county's highest killers - Autopsies show drug- and medication-related deaths second only to heart disease, Fallbrook to hold prescription drug 'take back'

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office has recently released information relating to “concerning trends” of the ways in which people are dying.

According to a recent press release from the Medical Examiner, the office performed 2,707 autopsies and examinations in 2009. Of those cases, the leading cause of death was cardiovascular disease, accounting for 592 cases. That was followed by drug- and medication-related deaths, with 443 cases.

“The number of drug-related deaths continues to rise, and it is not just illegal drugs but also prescription medications that are involved. Drug-relate...