Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf says preliminary statistics are pointing to a decrease in overdose deaths in the state last year.
Wolf spoke Wednesday as he participated in a training session on how to administer Narcan to reverse an opioid overdose.
Wolf’s administration has long supported Narcan and its potential to help those suffering.
“Curbing the opioid epidemic is one of my highest priorities because this crisis continues to have such an immensely detrimental effect on every Pennsylvanian,” Gov. Wolf said. “We know that opioid use disorder is a disease and people suffering from this disease deserve to be rescued and connected to high-quality treatment toward recovery. We cannot get people into treatment if they are dead. By training people to properly use naloxone, we can all do our part in this crisis.”
Lt. Governor John Fetterman challenges those who believe Narcan shouldn’t be used.
“We would never judge someone for carrying an EpiPen if they or a loved one suffered from a deadly allergy,” Lt. Gov. Fetterman said. “We know that opioid use disorder is a disease, not a personal failing. Every life is worth saving.”
Gov. Wolf said physicians are issuing fewer opioid prescriptions and doctor shopping is over, thanks to a 2016 law that requires prescribers to check a state database before issuing an opioid prescription to a new patient.
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