Southern Ohio’s citizens are saying enough is enough and that it is time to crack down on drug abuse that appears to be a rapidly growing problem for the entire region.

A grassroots effort is under way to shine a light on this epidemic that is threatening to erode the small-town quality of life that we all love.

The push, right now centered in Scioto County, includes townhall meetings, educational forums, networking of resources and petitions for the state to do more to curb this problem that they believe stems from pain clinics.

The group is asking Gov. Ted Strickland to take a more proactive role in regulating these centers, many of which are far more concerned with money than they are helping people get healthy.

For more information or to sign the petition, visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/stop-prescription-drug-abuse-in-scioto-county.

We applaud this effort and hope to see something similar adopted here in Lawrence County where we are facing the same problems.

If this effort accomplishes nothing more than creating a dialogue within the community, spurring more involvement and raising awareness, then it should still be considered a resounding success.

This problem won’t just go away. We cannot bury our heads in the sand any longer. Law enforcement and government involvement won’t be enough without an engaged and active community.

We are engaged in a war to protect our families and our way of life. Now is the time for each of us to head to the front lines armed with the weapons of determination and community spirit.