(WSLS 10) - Prescription opioid overdoses killed 576 Virginians in 2015 and Southwest Virginia counties have the highest rates of fatal prescription overdoses in the state. Prescription opioid abuse is also strongly connected to later abuse of heroin. Half of young people using heroin reported they started with prescription opioids. Attorney General Mark Herring will be in Roanoke at the Bradley Free Clinic this morning announcing what he says is a major new project to help Virginians dispose of unused prescription painkillers.
Salem City Council members are visiting Greenville, South Carolina today and tomorrow and will use the time as a work session. It is an observation trip to see what Greenville does right and how they do it. They will be looking at the downtown area, beautification projects and more. As we've reported, Salem is making improvements to its downtown area. The trip include Council members and city staff members.
Recommended Videos
Floyd Musicians are throwing a benefit for Hurricane Victims. The benefit starts tonight at 6 at the Dogtown Roadhouse. Donations are going to the American Red Cross.
Virginia Western Community College is continuing efforts to support students impacted by the closure of ITT Technical Institute. The college is holding a Nursing Information Session from 10 a.m. To Noon at the Fralin Center Multipurpose Room. The information session is designed for students who were in the process of completing their Nursing degree at ITT and are now interested in pursuing a nursing degree at Virginia Western.
Three people are expected to be sentenced in Federal Court today in Lynchburg. Dequan Montez Kelso, Kwamane McCoy, and Jacquan Harris were convicted of stealing firearms for a licensed firearms dealer. The Western District of Virginia U.S. Attorney's Office is handling the case.