Helping to beat back a deadly scourge

abuse.

The Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance is awarding grants to implement and enhance the use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs to help track opioid prescriptions and prevent their abuse.

This week has been designated by the president and the U.S. Department of Justice as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. Federal prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office in Nevada and representatives of the DEA will be traveling to middle schools in Clark County to present information to thousands of students concerning the dangers of these drugs.

Most people are not aware how pervasive opioids have become in our communities. Many people, including students, have become addicted to prescription painkillers following injuries or surgeries. Once the prescription dries up, addicts are turning to heroin, which is injected, smoked and inhaled.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 25 to 40 times more potent than heroin, is also responsible for an increasing number of deaths.

Fighting the heroin and opioid epidemic will require everyone’s help. There is so much that each of us can do to help beat back this deadly scourge:

— Have a meaningful conversation with your family about the dangers of heroin and opioid abuse. Don’t be fooled into thinking that it can’t happen to you.

— Contact law enforcement if you suspect drug-related activity in your neighborhood.

— If you have prescription opioids in your home, make sure they are safely locked away.

— Take advantage of drug take-back days sponsored by the DEA, other law enforcement agencies and some pharmacies to safely dispose of your unneeded prescription opioids.

This is an epidemic that we can confront and defeat. Our hard-working medical and law enforcement personnel, working closely with communities and concerned men and women in every state, can save the lives of thousands of our fellow citizens and end this terrible scourge. Daniel G. Bogden is U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada.