Nicole Raz
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) — In Virginia, more people are dying from heroin and prescription drug overdoses than car crashes. Attorney General Mark Herring is trying a new approach to curb the problem: A documentary.
“The idea was let’s make a documentary that appeals to young folks,” says Michael Kelly, a spokesman for Attorney General Mark Herring, adding that the documentary will put a face on the problem and help to raise awareness.
“There’s a really big emphasis on education and prevention, especially among young people who may not understand the risks of prescription drugs and who may be at risk of abusing them,” Kelly told WMAL.
Prescription drug abuse is more prevalent and more deadly than heroin within the Commonwealth.
“We’ve had about 500 accidental deaths from prescription drugs and around 200 from heroin,” he said.
Many people end up with a heroin addiction following an addition to prescription drugs.
“There’s sometimes a perception that because these drugs were prescribed by a doctor that they’re safe–and when used properly they can be safe and helpful. But they can also be abused,” he said.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: Office of the Attorney General, Virginia)
