As the state of Arizona tackles the opioid epidemic - three counties are getting a hefty grant to educate patients about substance abuse.
Cochise, Pinal and Greenlee counties will receive a $100,000 yearly grant until 2022.
The grant is a collaborative effort between the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fight a major public health issue the nation faces - substance abuse and addiction.
The Cochise County Health and Social Services will focus on two strategies, "giving providers the resources that are available because they're certainly on the front lines facing this huge public health crisis as well," says Health Director Carrie Langley.
As well as, community based education to raise awareness and how patients can refer to treatment.
Most importantly the entry to the state database that will track those who may be doctor shopping.
"You can detect if people are using more than one provider you can also look to see how many medications have been prescribed." says Langley.
