Finally, the “disease” afflicting southern Ohio has been diagnosed. Now we can continue community efforts to find a cure.

Somewhat ironically, in this case the disease is actually medicine itself in the form of the abuse of prescription narcotics.

This has been an escalating epidemic for years with abuse of painkillers like OxyContin and hydrocodone growing at an alarming rate.

Thankfully, through combined efforts of citizens and elected leaders, this problem is getting the attention it deserves, bringing us one step closer to finding real solutions.

In recent weeks, Ohio has seen legislation sponsored that would curb “pill mills.”

We have seen national news stories that have put a spotlight on this.

The new governor has visited Southern Ohio, promising to make this a priority.

And we have seen community leaders such as local pastors and ministers take charge to lead the dialogue on what we must do to help addicts heal physically and spiritually.

None of these solutions are perfect and it will likely take much more to put even a dent in a problem that may not ever be eliminated.

But, for the first time in many years, the problem is getting the attention it deserves. We have seen that simply burying our heads in the sand will not make this go away.

Finally, we are working together as citizens of Southern Ohio and members of one large community to get to the heart of the disease.