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House bill would increase cigarette tax $1 per pack

West Virginia smokers would pay $1 more per pack in taxes under a bill state lawmakers are considering.

Bishop urges W.Va. to fight addiction, mental illness

West Virginia's Catholic bishop is calling on the state of West Virginia to devote more attention and money to help people struggling with addiction and mental illness.

Poll: Obesity, Not Drugs, Biggest Threat to Kids' Health

In a remarkable shift in public perceptions about children's health, unhealthy eating and obesity are now seen as the greatest threats to California's kids, according to the latest statewide voter survey from the Field Poll. In years past, illegal drug use was named as the biggest health risk but after concerted public health campaigns at the state and federal level, public awareness about childhood obesity has spread widely.

Middlesboro High cheerleader had good grades — and a big drug problem

A former prescription drug addict shares her story of struggle and recovery. This story is part of a series that examines prescription drug abuse in Kentucky.

Kentucky's Bell County devastated by prescription drug deaths

Bell County in southeastern Kentucky currently has the eighth worst prescription drug death rate in the nation. Victims are citizens of every economic level, and the effects are hurting innocent people.

This story is part of a series that examines prescription drug abuse in Kentucky.

Prescription drug costs in W.Va. keep rising

Prescription drug costs continue to climb for West Virginia, despite efforts to rein them in.

Capito, McKinley vote to overturn health care reform

West Virginia's two Republican U.S. representatives voted with GOP colleagues Wednesday to overturn federal health care reform.

Rx for cold meds could reduce meth labs, expert says

Requiring a prescription for certain cold medicines could dramatically reduce methamphetamine production in West Virginia, a national substance-abuse expert told state lawmakers.

Funds to fight a drug epidemic cut even as abuse of medicines kills record number of Kentuckians

As drug-related deaths continue to rise, state funding for patient outreach is on the decline. This story is part of a series that examines prescription drug abuse in Kentucky.

Flushing Forests

In an effort to promote awareness of the relationship between healthy forests, healthy people and healthy economies, The UN has declared 2011 the International Year of Forests. One overlooked reality links healthy forests, healthy people and improved global sanitation: the production and use of toilet paper, from forest to flush.