WLNS TV 6 reports that heroin is a major problem in Jackson County with over 20 overdoses so far this year. There were 825 heroin overdoses from 2009 to 2012 in Jackson County.

How did the epidemic get started? Prescription drug abuse. But those get expensive and heroin is a cheap, and deadly, alternative.

Awareness and education programs are being put in place to curb the problem. Check out the full story here.

The heroin epidemic is a national problem, affecting several age groups, as well as widely varying income demographics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more info on the issue here.

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