Minn. Departments Team Up To Fight Drug Abuse

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota departments of Health, Education, Corrections and Public Safety are now working together to fight drug abuse.

At a joint news conference Thursday, the commissioners said drug and alcohol abuse are factors in much of the crime in Minnesota.

Their plan includes better monitoring of prescription drugs through pharmacies and training health care providers to spot substance abusers.

The idea is to treat addiction like a preventable disease.

"It's primary prevention for addiction," said Dr. David Frenz, of Health East. "These are health care efforts that can be delivered at the primary care level and in emergency departments, to identify problems that might signify future issues with addiction."

Minnesota's Judicial Board, National Guard and Board of Pharmacy are also involved in this effort to combat drug abuse.