Stop Overdoses in Pa.: Get Help Now” Week

Under the leadership of Governor Wolf, the efforts in Pennsylvania to address this epidemic have been widespread, and have brought about change on the local, regional and state levels. These efforts have taken place across numerous agencies, and also through the Opioid Command Center, established through the Governor’s disaster declaration.

On December 10-14th, the state is holding “Stop Overdoses in Pa.: Get Help Now” week. This week is aimed at helping to reduce the stigma around this crisis, to get people the lifesaving medication naloxone, and make sure people know help is available.

We need your help in this effort. Please share far and wide within your organization and community that the Wolf Administration will provide Naloxone for free to all Pennsylvanians at nearly 80 locations across the state, primarily at state health centers and county/municipal health departments, on Thursday, December 13 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., as part of the administration’s ongoing effort to reduce the number of opioid overdoses and get residents into treatment. Information on all the locations is included in the official press release here.

In addition to being able to get naloxone for free on Dec. 13th, Naloxone is available at pharmacies statewide every day without a prescription thanks to a standing order prescription signed by the Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine. It is covered by most insurances at little to no copay.

The opioid epidemic touches everyone, regardless of age, race, socioeconomic class. It does not discriminate.

However, we are optimistic that the work being done is saving lives. We know that through each of us working to highlight our efforts to address this epidemic, we can further address the epidemic in Pennsylvania.

 

As valued partners in Pennsylvania’s fight against the opioid epidemic we hope that you will help us spread the word about this community resource. We encourage you to share this information on “Stop Overdoses in Pa.: Get Help Now” week to your organization, community, colleagues, friends, and family. The Pennsylvania Department of Health depends on your help in this collaborative effort.