Mt. Airy Police Discuss Prescription Drug Abuse Problem | News

Mount Airy Police tried to do their part Monday to reduce the 20 percent of Americans who abose prescription drugs.

Police spoke with dozens of people at Mount Airy High School about the dangers and side effects of prescription drug abuse.

"We know the problem we're facing. Everyone's quite aware of that. Year-to-date, we have 28 associated with overdose," said Chief Dale Watson with Mount Airy Police.

The situation is so severe that several agencies in town have teamed up to fight the increasing trend. They include government agencies, medical facilities, churches and even parents.

"Every sector deals with it in a unique way, but we're all going to have to combine resources to effectively save our community," Watson said.

The National Institutes of Health reported 20 percent of the national population abuses prescription drugs.