Illinois county plans campaign to combat prescription drug use among teens

By Staff Writer

A string of incidents involving high school students and prescription drug abuse has prompted school officials in Illinois to organize a multi-district drug awareness program.

According to the Star Courier, educators in Bradford, Illinois proposed the initiative during a recent Stark County School Board meeting. The board's president and school officials want to hold a public meeting in the next couple of months, to alert the community about the widespread use of prescription drugs among problem teens.

Furthermore, the group also outlined a series of youth activities that will offer adolescents healthy alternatives that can help steer them from drugs and alcohol, according to the news provider. Officials from other local school districts have expressed interest in participating in the campaign. The collaborative effort is a response to four Bradford students being caught illegally using prescription drugs in school within the last six months.

The Stark County School Board president said that the initiative will allow parents and educators to work together in an effort to reduce illegal drug use.

According to DrugFree.org survey, nearly one in five teens admitted that they have abused prescription medications.