Continuing Coverage Entry: Central Pennsylvania’s Heroin Epidemic
Central Pennsylvania was in the midst of a heroin epidemic in 2015.
WITF focused on the sweeping effects of the problem through personal stories and investigative reporting.
Our reporters illustrated how a drug overdose death can shake a family, but also told the story of a 25-year-old woman who is in recovery.
They also showed policy failings and weak enforcement on the health care side. Listeners learned about some ways to address the problem, including a drug that reverses an overdose.
This entry contains several complete stories and excerpts of WITF’s coverage.
Story Order:
The story of a family who worked for years to get her son Anthony help for his addictions, until one day in March — Ben Allen
The story of drug addiction doesn’t have to end with an obituary — Ben Allen
Without a single standard to track heroin deaths in Pennsylvania, each of the 67 county coroners and medical examiners operate under their own set of rules — Ben Allen
New data is offering some information about just how deep the heroin problem cuts — Ben Allen
Pennsylvania enacted new laws that included a database for prescriptions. Guidelines were also issued for physicians in how to treat pain — Scott LaMar
Drug overdose deaths in York County are rising. Coroner Pam Gay has been outfront in publicizing the drug deaths and bringing attention to the issue of drug use — Scott LaMar
Steps can be taken to address the heroin epidemic that is quietly ravaging some communities. The State Police hope its newest program will save lives…– Ben Allen
After York County first put a life-saving drug in police cars, another midstate county plans to follow suit — Ben Allen
Lancaster County is out of money for programs that treat addiction. The programs’ director sees the funding crisis as yet another problem for the struggling services — Ben Allen
For those addicted to drugs or alcohol, crime can be a necessity to feed their habit, not a choice. In nine midstate counties, a drug court can shatter the circle — Ben Allen
Opiate addiction now touches every group — white, black, Hispanic, rural, suburban and urban. But, those seeking treatment may find their health insurance plan comes up short — Ben Allen
A state legislative agency is recommending 11 comprehensive changes to end the heroin crisis — Ben Allen
