Smart Talk: Is an OD death murder?
What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, March 31, 2016:
Pennsylvania, like almost every other state in the country, is dealing with a heroin epidemic. According to a 2014 Drug Enforcement Administration report, over half the drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania were attributed to heroin.
Heroin use has spread to the suburbs and rural areas of Pennsylvania. Often, those dependent on heroin started using painkillers or other prescription drugs and then moved onto heroin, that is cheap and easy to find.
What to do about a problem that is so big is a challenge.
Lycoming County Coroner Chuck Kiessling Jr. is taking a stand. Kiessling has decided to classify heroin overdose deaths as homicides to hold the drug dealers responsible.
Kiessling appears on Thursday’s Smart Talk to explain.
Also on the program is Pam Gay, the York County Coroner, offering her insight on Kiessling’s decision to classifysome heroin overdose deaths as homicides, and sharing what York County does instead.
Chuck Kiessling Jr. & Pam Gay
