HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) – With COVID-19 dominating the news, the Wolf Administration urged Pennsylvanians to come together to help those struggling with addiction, especially with opioids.
"While the COVID-19 pandemic is occurring, many Pennsylvanians continue to struggle with the disease of addiction," Deputy Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection and Opioid Command Center Incident Commander Ray Barishansky said. "We know that a public health pandemic at the same time as the opioid epidemic has made for a challenging year for many. It is up to all of us to come alongside those who are struggling with the disease of addiction and to offer them our support. Treatment works, and recovery is possible."
The Administration said that December can be a challenging month for people struggling with addiction, and adding on social distancing and avoiding gatherings, those struggling are at increased risk of relapsing.
"The most important thing for people to know is that there is hope through the help that is available for Pennsylvanians struggling with substance use disorder," said DDAP Secretary Jennifer Smith. "Even during the pandemic, Pennsylvania's drug and alcohol treatment providers are open and operational. If people are deciding whether to take that first, brave step, there is absolutely no shame in seeking help to lead a happy, healthy life. We must end the stigma associated with substance use disorder. Ending addiction stigma means saving Pennsylvania lives."
For anyone needing help, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has a 24/7, toll-free help line that can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). An anonymous service can also be reached by clicking here.
"In September, DDAP announced the launch of Life Unites Us, an anti-stigma campaign, utilizing social media platforms to spread real-life stories of individuals and their family members battling substance use disorder, live and recorded webinars detailing tools and information necessary to effectively reduce stigma to more than 350 community-based organizations focused on SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery throughout Pennsylvania, and a web-based interactive data dashboard detailing the progress of the campaign.
The Wolf Administration is also urging Pennsylvanians to carry naloxone, which can be obtained at most pharmacies with free or low cost (depending on insurance), through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's Centralized Coordinating Entities, or at free public naloxone giveaways at Pennsylvania Health Centers.
For more information regarding Pennsylvania's response to the opioid crisis, click here.
