SUCCESS MUST INCLUDE HOME CAMPAIGN

The recent report that Bland County officials are going to crack down on
drugs in the small, rural county defies all previous beliefs that drugs are
mainly an urban problem. As one of Virginia's most rural locations with a
population of about 6,600 people, it's difficult to fathom a drug problem
among the teenagers and adults there. However, some officials confirm that
"drugs are rampant" in some areas and report it's growing.

Merry Etling, a nurse practitioner who works in the Bland County Medical
Clinic in Bastian, said drugs are killing people.

She said there was a drug overdose last week in the small community. And,
she described the problem as "devastating to a county this size."

Hearing about drug overdoses in larger areas, even the size of Mercer
County, doesn't shock most people these days, but we are surprised a
dangerously high number of addictions are being reported in Bland.

During a recent community meeting, people reported about 80 percent of
Bland's drug problem is abuse of prescription medications. As a result of
"shooting up," the county is now also reporting a growing Hepatitis C
problem in Bland County among addicts using dirty needles.

With the growing addictions, Bland County parents have taken the problem
into their own hands. They invited officials, including newly elected
Sheriff Jerry Thompson, and called for a unified battle.

One mother emphasized that stopping the selling of drugs - especially
prescription drugs which are being illegally sold - is the way to bring
control to the problem. If the drugs are not available, addicts can't get them.

We wish the members of "Concerned Parents" success in their endeavor. They
have a hard task before them. Law enforcement, at its best, can only go so
far with control of widespread abuse. Especially now when funds and
manpower are limited.

Winning a battle with drugs will take a combination of law enforcement,
concerned people and "family."

We echo Thompson's words: "The real fight against drug addiction starts in
the home."

Parents hold the keys to prevent drug addiction among their children. We,
as a community, must also be on guard and willing to help.