CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Sen. Jay Rockefeller is appealing to national health associations to encourage what he calls a more intense effort to combat prescription drug abuse.

The West Virginia Democrat is chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care. He said Tuesday he has sent 13 letters to groups representing doctors, nurses, dentists, medical schools and other health-related groups encouraging them to make sure those who prescribe medicines get the training they need to help reduce addiction, overdoses and deaths.

Rockefeller says the letter is aimed at the growing epidemic of misuse and abuse and overuse of prescription drugs.