Issue Position: Opioid Epidemic

Issue Position

The opioid crisis is effecting every community and demographic in Pennsylvania. As our State Senator, Pat has taken a proactive stance in addressing this crisis. Pat believes that the solution to this epidemic starts with the conversations we have in our communities. That is why Pat has been an active participant in drug free community groups in our counties. He has hosted and attended roundtables and hearings discussing this issue with medical professionals, recovering drug addicts, and most heartbreakingly families of those who have lost loved ones to this crisis.

Pat has worked to secure the necessary resources in our community to fight this epidemic. Pat worked to designate Highlands Hospital in Connellsville and Mon Valley Community Health Services in Monessen as Opioid Centers of Excellence which help coordinate the care for those seeking help with addiction by integrating behavioral health and primary care.

Pat also secured funding to expand treatment options in our area at Somerset Hospital's Twin Lakes Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center.

While Pat believes that we cannot just legislate our way out of this crisis, he has supported legislation that can be a part of the solution. Pat supported legislation that instituted opioid prescribing curriculum in Pennsylvania's medical schools and continuing education on opioids for PA Doctors. He also supported legislation that limited the amount of opioids that can be prescribed to minors and requires consent from a guardian.

Pat is committed to continuing the discussion on the opioid crisis and working in Harrisburg to give our communities the tools they need to beat it.

Source