The opioid epidemic has reached every corner of Pennsylvania and it continues to plague every city, every town and every walk of life. State and local officials, members of the local community and those on the frontlines of fighting back against the epidemic gathered in Cumberland County on Thursday, May 31, to hold an open discussion on the problem and possible solutions.
Hosted by Rep. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) and Sen. Mike Regan (R-Cumberland), the event featured Dr. Carrie DeLone, Medical Director of Geisinger Holy Spirit Medical Group and Tracie Bauer, Substance Abuse Counselor at the Evergreen House, a faith-based residential recovery facility for women suffering from addiction.
“Drug addiction is a disease,” said DeLone. “It’s a chronic disease, just like heart disease; diabetes.”
DeLone, who has done extensive research into the history of the opioid epidemic, presented her findings to a full room of attendees.
In addition, Bauer outlined the services – centered on strength and hope – offered at the Evergreen House, which is a division of Catholic Charities within the Diocese of Harrisburg.
In talking about when women enter the program, Bauer said, “We’re going to encourage them to find a power greater than themselves.”
Several panelists provided perspective into the opioid epidemic throughout the evening, all agreeing that a multi-faceted approach must be taken to find a solution, including increased access to treatment and early intervention efforts.
“We need more study, we need more information, we need more support because we still have a lot of work to do,” said DeLone.
