The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in Ontario are working together to address what tribal leaders say is an epidemic of prescription drug abuse among their youth.

The tribes will develop a long-term and short-term plan to combat the spread of hydrocodone and oxycodone, also known as Oxycontin or "hillbilly heroin." "This is a community issue," Sub-Chief Stacy Skidders told The Plattsburgh Press-Republican.

The tribes expect to finalize an action plan within 90 days.

Get the Story:
Task force to target 'hillbilly heroin' (The Plattsburgh Press-Republican 11/8)
Mohawks working to combat drug abuse and addiction (The Watertown Daily Times 11/8)