Officials from various school districts in the Valley are trying to put an end to what they're calling one of the biggest problems hitting our schools.

One school board member in Augusta County says it saw double the amount of prescription drugs in the school system last school year versus the year before.

The county is teaming up with Waynesboro and Staunton to begin a program that's aimed at more than just educating. It is also trying to get rid of old prescriptions in homes.

Augusta Health is also on board with the program.

Students and teachers can expect to receive handouts about the dangers of prescription drug abuse this coming school year.

School board members say they also hope to sponsor a "pick-up day" during which families can bring their old prescriptions to be disposed of properly.

Augusta County School Board member Dave Shiflett says, "The school system is 100 percent behind this program. We need to do something and be proactive and get these drugs out of the hands of our students. Prescription drugs are so readily available in the home."

The program was started by council member Lorie Smith from Waynesboro.

On Thursday night, the Augusta County school board met and decided unanimously to join the program.