Policy committees wrap up opioid crisis discussions

To the Editor:
The House policy committees wrapped up their third week of public hearings on the devastating opioid and heroin abuse crisis this week with discussions in Williamsport, Scranton and York. I attended the hearing in Scranton on Wednesday. These hearings included testimony from law enforcement, health care and treatment experts, along with state-level cabinet secretaries, about ways in which the Commonwealth can effectively provide treatment options and prevent the misuse of this powerful pain killer. About three of four new heroin users report having abused painkillers prior to using heroin.
The testimony offered throughout the three weeks of statewide hearings will be developed into recommendations for future legislation. Several other proposals have already been passed by the House to curb opioid addiction. The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has launched a public information campaign, “Anyone Can Become Addicted,” to raise awareness of the crisis and provide resources for those needing help.
More information is available here: http://bit.ly/2bRmzpC.
PA Rep. Rosemary Brown
East Stroudsburg