The number of school shootings is escalating, and along with gun violence in general, it has become a national concern.

To date, there are an estimated 96 Americans killed every day from guns according to everytownresearch.org.  It is encouraging to know that there are those like the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, who organized a march on Washington following an attack at their school.

The number of those dying from guns every day is staggering, but what I find just as disconcerting is the number of people who are dying because of an opioid overdose, 116 every day.

In an effort to educate and inform the public about the seriousness of this “national epidemic,” this week the Trump administration announced a new, multimillion dollar public awareness advertisement campaign aimed at curbing opioid addiction among young people.

And for those of you who have not seen any of these ads, be prepared, because they are hard to watch.

Based on true stories, the White House said the first four ads illustrate the extreme length a young person will go to get a hold of Oxycodone and Vicodin.

Kellyanne Conway, who is counselor to President Trump, said the administration is hoping these graphic and gut-wrenching ads will get teens and young adults talking about the seriousness of opioids.

A website by the Above It All Treatment Center states opiates give a false sense of euphoria, and when someone consumes more and more to maintain this level of joy, over time changes will occur in the brain. Then a person will go from wanting the drug to physically needing it.

This is why it is imperative that doctors not over-prescribe.

“Pain management may not always mean extended pain medication use,” Conway said, adding that the ads also encourage young people to talk to their doctors about pain management.

The first four ads are said to be the start of a larger awareness campaign by the White House, and I am hoping this roll out will be the start of our country realizing how serious opioid addition has become in our country.

I am also hoping that doctors and pharmaceutical companies will become accountable.

A broken arm does not require a 30-day supply of oxycodone.

According to the Mississippi Department of Health website, the rate of overdose deaths involving opioids has doubled since 2000, and southern states, including Mississippi, have the most prescriptions per person for opioid painkillers.

What can we do to help?

• Almost 70 percent of people who abused prescription drugs say they got them from a family member or friend. Proper prescription drug disposal ensures that drugs won’t fall into the hands of those they can hurt the most.

• Painkillers are the most commonly abused prescription drug. If you are taking pain medication, develop a pain management plan with your doctor to make sure you’re receiving the right amount of pain medication.

• Always store prescription drugs securely and not easily accessible by others. Keep track of quantities, and keep the drugs in a locked medicine cabinet, if possible.

• Properly dispose of medications once treatment is completed. Check the label or patient information guide for disposal instructions. Your pharmacist can also tell you about safe drug drop-off locations to dispose of leftover medications.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.