(Nov. 12, 2009) — Operation Medicine Cabinet, which is profiled by Senior Reporter Alexis Tarrazi on this week’s front page, is a worthy effort by state and local law enforcement officials to combat the problem of prescription drug abuse. The statistics are startling and apparently the painful issue of addiction shows no discrimination. Both the young and old are showing signs of abusing pills and substances.

This weekend’s campaign to have locals dispose of their expired and unused pills at local police departments should not be the end  solution, but just the beginning. Statewide initiatives that look to address issues affecting society often run out of steam once the fliers are taken down, the journalists stop covering it weekly and the spotlights are turned off.

But the statistics will continue. The deaths will continue.

Residents in the local area, New Jersey and the nation need to rally around addressing drug abuse as if it were an issue dealing with life and death — because it is. Health-care reform debates are important. Securing the borders, combating terrorism and keeping Americans safe is equally important. Rebounding from this recession and taking care of public corruption, again, all endeavors worth our time and talent.

But drug abuse — especially when dealing with prescription pills — will fester if left untouched. We need to reinvigorate ourselves with this campaign. Who will be the political candidate who makes it a central tenant of their election? Who will stand up for those who can’t? Who will look at these statistics and say enough is enough?