In April 2015, the Pennsylvania State Police, with the help of David’s Law (Act 139), will require all police vehicles to carry 2 kits of Narcan to administer to individuals that have overdosed on heroin or opioid pain medications. The drug Narcan acts as an opioid-antagonist which will reverse the effects of an overdose. This movement is strong at the county government level as well. 29 counties in Pennsylvania have enacted similar laws requiring their local law enforcement to carry this emergency, life-saving drug.
The leading cause of accidental death in PA is overdose deaths from heroin and opiates, surpassing fatal motor vehicle accidents. To date, the Pennsylvania State Police have had a hand in using Narcan to save 289 lives.
With that said, in our state we have a major problem on our hands. The addiction to heroin and opiates is out of control. It is great that first responders can now save lives, but every time an addict uses these drugs, they are playing Russian roulette. What happens when EMS, Fire, or Police don’t get there in time?
If you are suffering from heroin addiction or prescription drug use, please call Clearbrook to get help. Stop this vicious cycle while there is still time.
