Additionally, Pennsylvania expanded the drug take back program, made naloxone available to all Pennsylvanians, and created ten sets of prescribing guidelines. It also started a help hotline for individuals seeking treatment and provided $2 million to expand specialty drug courts.
To date, Pennsylvania’s 24/7 helpline, 1-800-662-HELP, received more than 18,000 calls. The state connected those suffering from substance use disorder with treatment.
In December, Gov. Wolf signed a legislation authorizing the Department of Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to set standards for recovery homes. He also approved many other actions to help those suffering from heroin and opioid addiction and their families.
Gov. Wolf challenged all state agencies to find innovative solutions
In a statement on Wednesday, Gov. Wolf said, “While we have made progress in combatting the heroin and opioid abuse crisis and drastically expanded Pennsylvania’s response, we are still losing far too many Pennsylvanians.”
In addition, the governor said he declared a statewide disaster emergency to “protect Pennsylvanians from this looming public health crisis.”
