A new report says Oklahoma has one of the highest drug overdose death rates in the country, but that the state is doing more than most to help curb prescription drug abuse.
The report on prescription drug abuse was released Monday by the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Trust for America's Health. It shows Oklahoma had 19.4 drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people in 2010, the 5th highest mortality rate in the country. The report notes that prescription drug abuse has become a major public health concern as the number of drug overdose deaths has skyrocketed over the last 15 years.
The report also shows that Oklahoma has employed eight out of 10 recommended strategies for curbing prescription drug abuse, including laws to prevent doctor shopping and requiring identification for prescriptions.
________________________
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.