EKB News

WEST VIRGINIA...
A recent surge in meth labs and prescription drug abuse has many coming together to prevent substance abuse in Kanawha County.

"The biggest problem is prescription drug abuse, but here in the Kanawha Valley we're also seeing a lot of methamphetamines," Sgt. Michael Baylous of the West Virginia State Police said.

Leaders with Communities that Care said most people in the area has someone in there lives affected by a substance abuse problem.

The group works to get those people help, but focuses on prevention.

"We feel that prevention is extremely important to try to prevent things from happening," Michele Baranaskas with Communities That Care Inc. said.

Baranaskas said they work with parents and law enforcement to make kids aware of the problem.

Sometimes the problem is teens thinking it's a safe alternative to street drugs or watching their parents take the drug.

One thing almost everyone agrees on is that everyone needs to work together to stop the growing problem.