Local law enforcement remains focused on trying to save those victimized by the ongoing heroin addiction crisis.
“We had 57 fatal overdoses last year. Every one of those fatalities leaves behind loved ones, people that are hurt, people that have regret. If we can one person who then we can rehabilitate, it’s all worth it to me.”
Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger relates that the epidemic has continued into the new year with at least one confirmed overdose death.
Initiatives like medication collection drop boxes and drug treatment court are helping but the widespread use of the overdose reversal drug narcan or naloxone is saving lives.
“I had heard that the Butler Ambulance Service had administered over 120 Narcan or Naloxone doses that saved people. The numbers that I have with law enforcement don’t even include those; the fire department is carrying it. It’s out there everywhere and it has saved lives.”
The next county sponsored opioid addiction forum is scheduled for February 23rd in Slippery Rock.
Written by Ryan Saeler
