Wilkes-Barre, PA – Department of Health officials today spoke to families, students and service providers at the annual Family Week Conference in Wilkes-Barre about the ongoing opioid epidemic affecting residents across the state, emphasizing the administration’s efforts to combat this public health crisis.
“The opioid epidemic affects individuals of all ages, genders, locations and socioeconomic statuses,” Dr. Levine said. “This epidemic has particularly affected Pennsylvania families who are either dealing with a loved one suffering from an opioid use disorder or have lost a loved one due to opioid use. It is essential that people understand that treatment works and recovery from the disease of addiction is possible.”
This year’s conference included several speakers who talked about family-related topics, such as the core issues regarding opioid addiction, ways to strengthen family relationships and resources for families to connect with service providers. The conference also ensured that families and community organizations had the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas and develop new skills.
Since Governor Wolf first signed a heroin and opioid disaster declaration in January, 15 state agencies have continuously worked to fight the opioid epidemic and have made significant progress to help individuals and families dealing with this crisis. Some accomplishments include waiving birth certificate fees for individuals seeking treatment, using federal Medicaid funding in treatment facilities to provide more than 12,000 individuals access to medically necessary treatment, and providing career services to people who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic and plan to return to work.
For more information on the opioid epidemic, visit opioids.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nate Wardle, 717-787-1783 or ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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