In 2016, there were 65,000 drug overdose deaths nationwide and 50,000 were opioid related. U.S. Attorney Rob Stuart breaks down the figures for Nebraska.

Earlier this year, hundreds of people involved in health care, law enforcement, social services and public health met to come up with a plan to fight the growing opioid abuse problem. There will be several changes effective January 1st that include a drug monitoring program, more treatment options for drug users and jail time for suppliers. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson expects to see an increase in illegal drug traffic.

The plan also would require training for doctors and pharmacists on how to help their patients better manage pain and prevent drug addictions.