Zambia is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, but it is also one of the poorest and has one of the world's most devastating HIV and AIDS epidemics. In the village of Zambezi, many of the people lack food to take with their medication, but students at Gonzaga University are working to change that.

Zambezi has a population of about 7,000, similar to Quincy, WA. Now, imagine if 83 percent of Quincy lived in extreme poverty, many of them were positive for HIV/AIDS, and the life expectancy was only 49. That is the reality for the people of Zambezi.

Across the country of Zambia antiretroviral medication is readily available, but the people of Zambezi are too poor to maintain the proper nutrition for the treatments to be effective. The impact goes beyond individual health.

On Saturday, April 27th, police departments across the region will be hosting drug collections as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration's fifth National Drug Take Back Day.

The DEA has collected over 1,000 tons of unused and expired prescription drugs over the last three years. The take back day was started to get the public more involved in the prevention of prescription drug abuse.

Unused prescription drugs in homes are considered a public health and safety concern by the DEA. According to the DEA this is because the drugs are “highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, diversion, misuse and abuse”.

A survey done by the DEA found that the majority of abuses get their prescription drugs through friends and family. Often times it's as simple as raiding the medicine cabinet. Americans currently abuse more prescription drugs than those using cocaine, hallucinogens and heroin combined.

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers won an award for her work in promoting the quality of heath care for those in rural America.

The "Legislator of the Year" award was given to her by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.

“As someone who grew up on a family farm in rural Eastern Washington, I know that rural communities have unique needs – and face significant challenges – when it comes to accessing quality health care. I am honored to accept this year’s ‘Legislator of the Year’ award,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said.

Rep. McMorris Rodgers serves as Co-Chair of the Rural Health Care Coalition and introduced the Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act with Rep. Mike Thompson in the 112th Congress.

“It’s time for us to reduce challenges those in rural America face – and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health makes that possible," she said, "This is an organization whose mission I wholeheartedly support, and I am looking forward to continuing our relationship to help those in America’s rural communities.”