Hazard, KY. – Opioid prevention is one of the most talked-about issues in the nation, and on Friday a group of local leaders in drug prevention met to talk about how to make an impact in south-eastern Kentucky.

The statistics speak for themselves. Last year more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses.

“We’re working with our physicians to reduce the number of opioids that are prescribed and how many days. We’ll give you a small supply and if you still need it come back and we’ll work with you on that,” said Joe Grossman, the president and CEO of ARH.

The Kentucky State Police are working on preventative measures. They launched the Angle initiative to help place addicts into a recovery center.

“Really that’s so invaluable for us because if we can get somebody to break that cycle of addiction and being involved in criminal activity that’s so much better for the community,” said Kentucky State Police Captain Jennifer Sandlin.

A partnership with Operation UNITE has allowed them to give grants for 90 days in a recovery center.

“That’s more rewarding than taking someone to jail. It really is because that’s really serving the community. That’s really protecting the community,” said Sandlin.

They hope to give those struggling a purpose to keep going.