Over the past two weeks, The Moultrie Observer’s “Sunlight Project” has focused on the opioid epidemic in our nation — a tragedy that expresses itself very loudly right here in our own community.

We have had a number of responses to this story. Seemingly there’s not a family in our community that hasn’t had some connection with such addictions, either personally or indirectly.

Recently one of our local physicians offered a letter to the editor urging greater attention to this issue.

And in today’s Rants and Raves column, a local person serves as an illustration of what has happened in her life as a result of opioids and what can be done about it.

Again, let us note that the opioid problem is widespread with no respect for race, geography or social standing. Metaphorically speaking, it’s a cancer of sorts.

The contributor to the Rants and Raves column today notes that help is available.

We encourage anyone who suffers in this regard to acknowledge they have a problem and seek help … the help is out there. And there are those who have battled this problem who will offer a support base.

We  applaud those who are willing to speak up about it. Over a period of years, education has done much to save people from nicotine … let’s make sure the opioid issue is researched and attacked from every angle as well.