GOVERNOR WOLF PROMOTES BIPARTISAN APPROACH TO STOP THE HEROIN EPIDEMIC
PENNSYLVANIA — Governor Wolf recognizes that opioid addiction knows no political party, but both political parties have the power to prevent it. That’s why the governor has traveled across the state to talk with leaders from both sides of the aisle to find solutions to end the opioid epidemic.
Read and watch more about Governor Wolf’s opioid roundtables here:
Delaware County Daily Times: Gov. Wolf leads roundtable in Delco on heroin awareness
“On this issue,” said Wolf, “we’re all in agreement that we need to do something about this.” Krueger-Braneky said Wolf coming to Delaware County for his most recent roundtable on the topic was appropriate, calling the county “ground zero” on this issue, with the highest number of heroin overdose deaths in the state and, yet, also the pioneer for trying to fight the problem. “We’re leaders on this issue, and this issue hits home,” she said. Much of the roundtable’s focus was on treatment and how to make it more accessible, or long-term.
WHP: Governor Wolf’s Opioid Roundtable in Lebanon
Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice: State lawmakers turn attention to drug epidemic
Wolf hopes the roundtable discussions, often involving local lawmakers of both parties, lead to a package to fight drug abuse that can be passed with the fiscal 2016-17 budget. “Our hope is this is part of the budget,” said Wolf spokesman Jeff Sheridan. The governor has initially proposed $34 million to run some 50 centers to help individuals with substance abuse disorders.
Lebanon Daily News: Gov. Tom Wolf brings heroin crisis roundtable to Lebanon
“In 2014, 2500 Pennsylvanians died of drug overdoses, 2,500,” Wolf said in his introductory remarks. “That is more people than died in traffic accidents in 2014, and we think 2015 will be even higher.” Identified as a culprit in the rising use of heroin is the over prescription of opiate painkillers, which addict patients who turn to heroin when their prescriptions run out. To reduce that cycle, Wolf has recommended pain management education be included in every medical and dental school course.
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