Norwich — School superintendents from Colchester, Sprague, Waterford, and East Lyme met with members of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments Regional Heroin Response Committee on Monday to discuss ways that municipal governments and schools can collaborate to combat rising abuse of heroin and prescription opioids, according to a news release.

The discussion included a recognition that education of both students and parents on the risks posed by prescription opioid abuse is critical to preventing addiction, the release states.

The meeting is part of an ongoing effort by the Council of Governments to identify partnerships that can assist in the prevention and treatment of addiction within the region.

Griswold First Selectman Kevin Skulczyck and New London Mayor Michael Passero are the chairmen of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments Regional Heroin Response Committee.

Monday's meeting followed a similar meeting in April with local police chiefs.

The region’s mental health and medical/emergency responders will be invited to meet with the committee later this summer.