Sept. 23--Ohio health officials are renewing a push against unintentional drug overdoses, which have reached epidemic proportions in some parts of the state.
Drug overdoses have been the leading cause of accidental death in Ohio since 2007, growing by 350 percent from 1999 to 2008.
The Prescription for Prevention initiative backed by the Ohio Department of Health will focus on areas with particularly high prescription-drug-abuse rates, including Jackson, Ross and Vinton counties. The campaign will involve radio and television advertising, outreach at high schools and businesses, and development of regional coalitions.
The campaign also will concentrate on Adams and Cuyahoga counties.
"We are committed to working with our state, local and federal partners to educate Ohioans about how to prevent the tragic consequences associated with this epidemic," Dr. Alvin Jackson, the state health director, said in a statement. "The Prescription for Prevention campaign is designed to raise awareness and bring communities together to tackle the problem."
Accidental drug overdoses jumped statewide to 1,438 in 2008 from 327 in 1999.
Dayton and Montgomery County have been among the areas hit hardest. There were 122 accidental drug deaths there last year -- more than three times the number of people who died in car accidents.
The state previously funded similar programs in Montgomery and Scioto counties.
Jackson said coalitions will be established in each of the five target counties involving local health departments, law-enforcement agencies, coroners, substance-abuse experts, pharmacists, health-care providers, schools and elder-care representatives.
Each county will have a group "ready to put this campaign into action and start addressing this issue head-on," Jackson said.
More information on the campaign is available under the Prescription for Prevention section of the health department's website at www.healthyohioprogram.org.
ajohnson@dispatch.com
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