Pennsylvania’s opioid epidemic has significant impact and consequences on our children and families. Whether it is an infant born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), children in kinship care where parental drug use was a factor, or a pregnant woman suffering from opioid-use disorder (OUD), the experiences have lifelong impacts on families and children. Continue reading  >>

One of the downstream health effects of the opioid epidemic is the spread of infectious diseases. Injection drug use, in particular, increases the chance of transmitting HIV and Hepatitis C. Opioid misuse and abuse has also been associated with increased risk of other diseases, including cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis. Continue reading  >>

The economic cost of the opioid crisis reaches far beyond those suffering from this disease. Communities, business owners, and industries are impacted when people die from opioid use disorder through the permanent loss of workforce and tax base. As thousands die each year because of this disease, the economic impacts will continue to be far reaching. Continue reading >>

There is a connection between a person’s opioid use and their involvement in the criminal justice system. This connection impacts the entire system from the court system to the cost of incarceration and probation to recidivism rates. Access to treatment, particularly medication assisted treatment, is critical to stop this cycle.