Pubdate: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) Copyright: 2003 Lexington Herald-Leader Contact: http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/240 Author: Stephen C. Hanson Note: Hanson is President and CEO Appalachian Regional Healthcare ENDING DRUG ABUSE IN EASTERN KENTUCKY MUST BE GROUP EFFORT The Herald-Leader's Jan. 19 editorial on the prescription painkiller problem in Eastern Kentucky calls for institutions involved in health care and law enforcement to "make a strong, concerted effort to help Eastern Kentucky kick its habit." Appalachian Regional Healthcare, a not-for-profit system serving Eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, has initiated widespread dialogue and action toward solving the drug issue for the past year. Our system took steps to assure that problems associated with prescription painkillers remain a priority in our organization and in the communities we serve: All ARH hospitals and clinics maintain a strict policy on dispensing only the correct amount of pain medication and other prescription drugs and maintaining strict control over drug inventories. ARH trustees have made substance abuse rehabilitation in the region a board priority. Last summer, ARH convened a meeting in Hazard of legislators, judge-executives, district judges, hospital representatives and the lieutenant governor. Opportunities to collaborate in preventing and solving drug-related problems were identified. All parties pledged to cooperate by sharing information and resources. For more than a year, Eastern Kentucky's not-for-profit hospitals have met to discuss ways to respond to this drug crisis. Our actions must also include the participation of the entire Eastern Kentucky community including government, law enforcement, courts, schools, business and church groups. Solutions must include prevention; detoxification; acute, long-term and partial care; and stronger employment and educational opportunities. Continued dialogue and collective, definitive action by all stakeholders can yield the solutions necessary for Eastern Kentucky to see a marked decrease in this problem. Stephen C. Hanson President and CEO Appalachian Regional Healthcare Lexington - --- MAP posted-by: Beth