Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Report Says Overdoses In Ala. Tripled Since 1999

State officials say more than 9,800 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription drugs were collected during a recent take-back event.
The Javorac
/
Flickr
State officials say more than 9,800 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription drugs were collected during a recent take-back event.

Alabama public health officials say they're aware of statistics in a report saying Alabama's prescription drug overdose rate has nearly tripled since 1999 and they are working with other agencies to confront the problem.

The Montgomery Advertiser reported Tuesday that a national report by Trust for America's Health says Alabama's fatal prescription drug overdose rate has jumped from 3.9 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 11.8 per 100,000 people.

Pharmacy Director for the Alabama Department of Public Health, Charles Thomas, says state officials are working to address the issue.

The newspaper reports Gov. Robert Bentley signed three bills into law in mid-August to address prescription drug abuse in Alabama.

Thomas says it's too early to tell whether new laws will help.

News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.