Deaths from Drug Overdoses in PA Now Surpass Deaths from Car Accidents / In 2013, 2.4 Million Americans Abused or Were Dependent on Opioids, Yet Only Half Received Treatment
Norristown, PA- With a heroin crisis challenging communities across the state, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) visited a local addiction treatment provider and professional training center to discuss his support for a new plan to help fund prevention and treatment of opioid addiction. Deaths from drug overdoses in Pennsylvania now surpass deaths from car accidents. In 2013, 2.4 million Americans abused or were dependent on opioids, yet only half received treatment. Casey was joined by Gaudenzia’s CEO Michael Harle, Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh, and a recovering heroin addict who shared his personal story. Casey highlighted the Treatment and Recovery Investment Act, S.1410, which would increase funding for prevention and treatment programs, including recovery programs for teenagers and pregnant women.
“The uptick in heroin abuse has had tragic results for communities throughout our state,” Senator Casey said. “We can’t stand by while the disease of addiction cuts short promising lives and tears families apart. I’m hopeful that Congress will move forward on this legislation in the coming months.”
The Treatment and Recovery Investment Act would increase funding for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, which helps states plan, implement and evaluate activities that prevent and treat substance abuse. It would also create a grant program to fund treatment and recovery in states with high levels of heroin and prescription painkiller abuse; provide funding to increase access to services for pregnant and parenting women and for adolescents; and invest in community-based recovery support services.
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