(Statewide) These are stories of the people affected by Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis. They are strong, caring, brave individuals who are part of the fabric of the communities across our state. Opioid addiction does not define them or their lives, and they are proof that people do recover with treatment to lead full and productive lives - just like anyone else. By giving their voices and stories a platform, we can help others see that it’s time to replace outdated stigma with support, encouragement, and understanding...(lifeunitesus.com)

(Statewide) Pennsylvania now has the nation’s third-highest rate of overdose deaths, and the ninth-highest rate of new HIV infections, Braund said on Tuesday. Favata and others argued syringe service programs are an important and necessary step toward preventing disease and saving lives and are badly needed in Pennsylvania’s small towns and rural communities...(Sun-Gazette)

(Philadelphia) Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione announced more than $9.2 million will be coming to Philadelphia from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to enhance the quality, coordination, and planning of criminal and juvenile justice system, victim service, and community safety programs....(Sun-Gazette)

(Lackawanna) To say addiction is a struggle is an understatement. An estimated 293,000 Pennsylvanians reported having an ‘active substance use disorder’ last year....(PA Home Page)

(Statewide) Starting June 9, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) will be able to issue fines of up to $1,000 per day for all unlicensed recovery houses that receive public funding...(North Central PA)

(Statewide) A grim prediction made half a decade ago by University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health epidemiologists and modelers has come true: More than 100,000 people are now dying from drug overdoses annually in the U.S....(UPMC)