GOOD IDEA? –
Oct. 19, 2023 – The process grants legal immunity from prosecution if a person undergoes voluntary or involuntary treatment. The process would allow individuals to petition for their release and require an application to commit someone to go through the Court of Common Pleas. “While naloxone and other life-sustaining medications have reduced our death rate, it does not address the underlying substance use disorder,” Laughlin said.
Since 2018, more than 1.4 million doses of naloxone have been distributed by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and almost 90,000 doses of naloxone were given by emergency responders, Laughlin noted.
Momentum for more state action has been building for years.
“Pennsylvania is in a crisis, and we are listening to the people,” Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, said. “People are sending us here to help and they are tired of waiting.”
The senator said the bill is shaped by people struggling with addiction and in recovery.
