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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 27, 2019 09:24 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Gerald J. Mullery |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic Act |
| As the opioid crisis silently mounted for decades, the nation was faced with the worst public health emergency it has seen in generations. In 2017, Pennsylvania topped the rankings with the most drug overdose fatalities in the entire country. Not only have precious lives been lost, but the impact of the epidemic has permeated into all areas of life in the Commonwealth. We are currently watching states settle with pharmaceutical companies and regain a piece of what was taken from them. Understandably, a price tag can never be put on the thousands of lives tragically lost in the Commonwealth. However, it is only fair to the families and friends who have endured such painful loss to fully know the true toll this sweeping crisis has taken on us as a state. No corner of this state has been left untouched by the epidemic, with catastrophic effects felt in the economy and workforce, corrections and foster care systems, and our healthcare facilities. It is crucial for us to understand the extent of the devastation in order to take action to heal and grow from this heartbreak. This legislation would call upon the necessary state departments and agencies to compile data related to these effects to hold accountable those who contributed to the emotional and physical damages of the opioid epidemic. Please join me in supporting this legislation to show Pennsylvanians that we are ready and willing to take the next steps in repairing our state. |
Introduced as HB2070