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Tags Posts tagged with "Overdose"

Overdose

Earlier this week, RCPA submitted its position on SB 962 to the Pennsylvania Senate Health and Human Services Committee. SB 962 would force overdose survivors into treatment for substance use disorder.

RCPA opposes SB 962 because of:

  • The enormous burden placed on providers to manage an unfunded and complex involuntary treatment process;
  • The perpetuation of stigma towards the disease of addiction by introducing the complexity and trauma of the judicial system to the treatment of a disease – not the commission of a crime; and
  • Scant evidence that this approach reduces overdoses and death.

Read RCPA’s full position paper on SB 962. You can also view the memo announcing SB 962 as well as the language of the bill.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) aims to end overdose deaths globally, fostering stigma-free remembrance and recognizing the pain experienced by families and friends. This campaign raises awareness about the grave public health crisis posed by overdoses, igniting discussions and actions based on evidence-backed strategies for prevention.

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones participated in a poignant memorial event at the state capitol this morning, Thursday, August 31. She highlighted the transformation of the Capitol steps into a temporary memorial, signifying the enduring memories of loved ones. Dr. Davis-Jones emphasized embracing emotions authentically on this day. Her call to action urges collective responsibility to honor lives lost, emphasizing overdose preventability and the hope of recovery from addiction. Additionally, she shared resources aligned with IOAD’s theme and addressed equity-related dimensions of the overdose crisis, including how racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected. Resources provided by DDAP include:

General Resources:

IOAD Resources:

Equity-Related Resources:

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced more than $6 million in grant funding for organizations to establish or expand substance use disorder (SUD) services, community outreach, and education to underrepresented communities struggling with the opioid overdose crisis.

In 2020, overdose death rates increased 39 percent for Black Pennsylvanians, compared to 2019. In 2021, Black Pennsylvanians died from an overdose at a rate that was nearly two times higher than white Pennsylvanians.

Those eligible for this funding included organizations that provide services, outreach, and/or education to communities of color and promote access to harm reduction services, low-barrier SUD and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), recovery and peer supports, and/or offender reentry supports.

Through this funding award, 19 organizations are receiving grants up to $400,000 for a 12-month period beginning July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Funds shall be applied toward a range of activities, including construction and building infrastructure, staffing, and evidence-based programming.

Read the full press release.