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Continuing the Fight and Celebrating Recovery

September 17, 2020
Blog Post

As appeared in the September 17, 2020 edition of the Elizabethtown Advocate

While our nation continues to respond to the challenges presented by COVID-19, we continue to fight another nationwide public health emergency: the opioid crisis. According to the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nationwide, there are nearly 130 preventable deaths each day as a result of opioid overdoses, and Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of death per hundred thousand residents. Recent data released by the state Department of Health indicate that there was only a one percent decrease in drug-related overdoses in 2019, compared to 2018.

These tragic statistics demonstrate that there remains much more work to be done to support community efforts. President Trump and his Administration continue to provide that support, with the Department of Health and Human Services recently releasing $1.5 billion to states, with Pennsylvania receiving nearly $80 million.

In the 11th Congressional District, we are fortunate to have community-wide efforts encompassing local government, law enforcement, public health organizations, non-profits, and the business community. Together we are engaged in fighting the opioid crisis and reducing overdose deaths through preventative education and treatment. In Lancaster County, the county-wide effort is known as Joining Forces; the York Opioid Collaborative leads York County's efforts. According to Overdose Free PA, locally in Lancaster County, there have been 68 reported overdose deaths and 81 in York County in 2020. While overdose death data is a lagging indicator, each county's figures are lower than highs witnessed in 2017. A number of federal agencies support local efforts, like the Department of Justice, which provided a grant from the Office of Victims of Crime to help child victims of the opioid crisis.

While there remains much work to be done to ensure there are no overdose tragedies, we must also celebrate those who have and are continuing their journey of a healthy recovery from addiction. Each September, we recognize National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. This year, it is especially important, as the coronavirus pandemic may have impacted individuals' recovery regimens, that we thank the healthcare professionals, counselors, and all who help make a recovery possible for the afflicted.

Please know that no matter your circumstance, there is help. For help, treatment referral, and routing services offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Last week on September 10th, we observed World Suicide Prevention Day. It is important to remember that there is always help available from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-8255.