A campaign has been launched to tackle the rising number of drug-related deaths in Kirklees.
Kirklees Drug Action Team (DAT) and Kirklees Lifeline have joined forces to organise seminars, distribute leaflets and establish a long-term multi-agency strategy.
DAT co-ordinator Ian Donaldson said action was being taken after Government statistics revealed the number of people dying through an overdose or drug-related illness had almost doubled nationally since 1993.
He said Kirklees had witnessed a similar increase in drug-related deaths - and Dewsbury had been particularly badly hit.
Bridget Hughes of Lifeline said it was important that drug users and their families understood how to reduce the risk of overdose deaths by following some basic rules, outlined in the leaflets, such as not mixing drugs and not injecting alone.
Information and advice on anything related to drug use can be obtained from Lifeline Kirklees on (01924) 457038.
Young people under the age of 19 should ring (01484) 353353.
Parents and carers in need of support can contact Kirklees Relatives Support Group on (01484) 722223 or GASPED on (01924) 787500.
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