Lt. Governor speaks with health professionals about Virginia's opioid problem

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Combating the opioid crisis remains a top priority for state leaders in Virginia.

On Wednesday, Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam spoke with doctors and health professionals at Carilion Clinic. The group discussed potential solutions to the opioid epidemic, including effective treatment methods and ways for doctors to help prevent addiction.

Northam said he is traveling across Virginia on a listening tour to raise awareness about the opioid problem.

"We lost 860 Virginians last year. We are on track to lose 1,000 this year if we don't do something about this," said Northam. "It is a real challenge. It cut into our society and effects economic development in Virginia. We are going to work together and come up with a solution to the problem. "

Northam said funding programs to help fight the opioid epidemic remains a problem. Moving forward, he said it will be important for lawmakers to work together to come up with solutions.