We Check

Opinion

February 15, 2010

Wyoming County program is a step in the right direction

Anonymous The Register-Herald Mon Feb 15, 2010, 07:12 PM EST

Just a few days ago in this very slot, The Register-Herald raised the issue of our region’s growing prescription drug abuse problem.

Now it seems Wyoming County, for one, may have a solution to a serious part of the problem — doctor shoppers. They are addicts who bounce from doctor to doctor, hoping to find one who will buy their story of made-up symptoms and write a prescription for the drugs they crave.

“We Check,” a new Wyoming County program that provides information about those convicted of drug charges to pharmacies and doctors, will be implemented beginning March 1, according to county Prosecuting Attorney Rick Staton.

“Prescription drugs are bigger business than any other illegal drug, crack, cocaine, marijuana, meth labs, or heroin,” Staton said in a recent Wyoming County Report article.

The program will let health care professionals know who has been convicted of drug crimes in Wyoming County. Updated drug offender convictions, from both circuit and magistrate courts, will be provided to health care professionals on a monthly basis. That way, doctors can use that information to help them decide if their patients are attempting to obtain prescriptions illegally.

All pharmacies and physicians in the county are participating.

If every county were to implement such a program, we may have part of the solution to a very serious problem — one that plagues southern West Virginia in the worst of ways. Pill addicts are more likely, according to local law enforcement officers, to commit property or even violent crimes in addition to their drug crimes in order to obtain more prescription drugs or money for them.

They hurt themselves, and they hurt neighbors, family and friends.

When it comes to fighting this problem, Staton and Wyoming County have certainly taken a big step in the right direction. It’s up to doctors now to pay attention to these lists.

Keeping illegal drugs out of the hands of offenders is imperative to the betterment of our society, our economy and our residents.

If a simple monthly list can help do that, then every county should take a lesson from Wyoming County.

Text Only

Opinion

No-bid contracts
Lawmakers need to put checks, balances in place

October 8, 2010
Negative campaigning
Smear tactics do nothing but add to public’s distrust

October 7, 2010
Deterrent
Authorities’ use of murder charge could help curb copper thefts

October 6, 2010
Mine safety
For agencies to remain relevant, public must demand a better job

September 30, 2010
Thumbs
September 25, 2010
Sweep it up
Volunteers to converge on litter today, tomorrow

September 24, 2010
Fighting the flu
CDC recommending vaccinations for everyone ages 6 months and older

September 16, 2010
Dental hygiene
Give kids healthy snacks and take advantage of programs

September 8, 2010
Get it right
Election officials must stop abdicating responsibilities

August 22, 2010
Too late
Reactive rather than proactive, MSHA decision on ventilation enforcement a slap in face

August 18, 2010
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

We Check

Wyoming County program is a step in the right direction

Site Map

Contact Us