opioid

Health

County’s first overdose fatality review finds gaps, ‘missed opportunities’

The team’s first report analyzes 10 local deaths that occurred between May 2021 and December 2022.

By Tim Stuhldreher - February 9, 2024

Health

Advocates want to expand local harm reduction programs

The Lancaster Harm Reduction Project operates in Lancaster, Dauphin and York counties.

By Tim Stuhldreher - February 9, 2024

Government

County contracts with LG Health to distribute overdose reversal kits using state grant

Provision of the kits is an ongoing initiative. Organizations can apply for them through the Joining Forces website.

By One United Lancaster - October 26, 2023

Government

Analysis shows Lancaster County’s funding from opioid settlements is on the low end

Pennsylvania is distributing the money based on a formula that incorporates assessments of local need.

By Tim Stuhldreher - October 20, 2023

Government

County Prison contracts with Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance to support inmates in opioid treatment after release

Nationwide, overdoses are among the leading causes of death for incarcerated individuals re-entering the community after release.

By Tim Stuhldreher - September 13, 2023

Community

Specialists in substance abuse, mental health to partner with police in countywide ride-along

“I can’t wait to see how many lives we will be able to impact.”

By One United Lancaster - September 7, 2023

Government

Commissioners approve opioid settlement funds for Drug Task Force positions

The vote was 2-1, with Commissioners Ray D’Agostino and Josh Parsons in favor and Commissioner John Trescot opposed.

By Tim Stuhldreher - August 30, 2023

Government

County commissioners consider allocating opioid settlement funds for Drug Task Force treatment court prosecutor, evidence custodian

Advocate Gail Groves Scott called for the money to be spent instead on front-line harm-reduction and treatment.

By Tim Stuhldreher - August 29, 2023

Government

DA secures state grant to support community Narcan availability

The funding will underwrite Lancaster General Hospital’s distribution of Narcan kits and an associated overdose awareness and prevention campaign.

By Tim Stuhldreher - August 15, 2023

Government

Drug Task Force funding at issue as Lancaster County adds nearly $1 million to its opioid settlement cache

Treatment advocates say U.S. drug policy has focused too much on policing and that the settlement money should go toward prevention, treatment and harm reduction.

By One United Lancaster - August 2, 2023

Government

County provides $300,000 for ‘Pathways to Recovery’ diversion program

It allows magisterial district judges, with the approval of the district attorney’s office, to refer eligible individuals facing addiction-related charges to treatment.

By Tim Stuhldreher - June 7, 2023

Government

Joining Forces, the coalition battling Lancaster County’s opioid epidemic, marks 5 years

In the coalition’s first year, overdose mortality here dropped 36%, from 168 deaths to 108.

By Tim Stuhldreher - May 5, 2023