In order to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, Senator Walters will hold two town hall meetings on the subject in June. More people die from abusing over–the–counter and prescription drugs than from heroin, cocaine and ecstasy combined. The town halls will feature local experts from the law enforcement and medical communities who know first–hand how devastating this problem is to Orange County communities no matter what economic strata. Parents, community leaders, and others interested in educating themselves on this pervasive problem and searching for solutions are encouraged to attend these free events.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic levels across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also classifies prescription drug abuse as an epidemic and the nation’s fastest–growing drug problem. Orange County has more drug rehab centers per capita than any other county in the country. Continue reading