The Cost of Addiction: An Economic Burden for West Virginia

In 2008, West Virginia had the highest rate of deaths related to prescription drug overdoses in the United States. The Mountain State and the surrounding region have led national trends concerning prescription drug abuse and misuse, and while the physical and mental aspects have been devastating, prescription drugs are costing more than lives. The economic burden incurred by West Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky due to the criminal justice costs, loss in worker productivity and treatment totals $2.72 billion annually. Nationally, the loss of productivity, premature death, unemployment and incarcerated individuals comes at a price tag of $42 billion every year.

University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center, Berkeley County Schools Sponsor Distracted Driver Seminar at Martinsburg High School

University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center is joining Berkeley County Schools in sponsoring a seminar for students at Martinsburg High School on Friday, March  13 to educate them about the dangers of distracted driving. The “Save a Life Tour“ presents eight hours of multimedia information about distracted driving, including simulators to show students how focus is…