Governor Wolf signed the 13th renewal of his opioid disaster declaration which helps fight the statewide opioid and heroin epidemic.
The declaration focuses on helping in three ways—prevention, rescue, and treatment. It allows the state to loosen regulations and work outside of typical procedures to help those who are suffering from opioid and heroin addiction, and also helps agencies coordinate and share resources that can assist Pennsylvanians.
"The opioid and heroin epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis, one that requires immense coordination of staff and resources to save lives and promote healing," said Gov. Wolf. "Public health emergencies like this one are complex disasters that require a concerted, sustained response from the state.
"I am proud of the work done by the Opioid Command Center since 2016. By leveraging the diverse strengths and skillsets brought together by this group, we have been able to make great strides in saving lives and reducing negative outcomes for those suffering with a substance use disorder. The work done by the Opioid Command Center continues to change lives and communities in the commonwealth, and it is only possible because of this disaster declaration."
Some of the achievements of the declaration include reducing opioid prescriptions by 36.6%, almost eliminating doctor shopping, dropping the number of people receiving high dosages of opioids by 58.6%, and allowing Pennsylvanians to carry naloxone, including providing it by mail.
Pennsylvanians can learn more by clicking here.
