Wolf set to declare opioid epidemic a disaster emergency
Gov. Tom Wolf speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at his office in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Jan. 2. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
(Harrisburg) — Governor Tom Wolf is expected today to declare the heroin and opioid crisis in Pennsylvania a statewide emergency.
He will use his authority to proclaim a disaster emergency, which is is normally reserved for cleanup and relief efforts after natural disasters or storms.
The move would allow the state to temporarily override any current rules or regulations they believe might block the ability to address the opioid epidemic.
Wolf’s declaration would also establish a new group led by the heads of Pennsylvania’s health, emergency and law enforcement departments.
A new command center that would better coordinate treatment and prevention efforts is also expected to be announced.
Pennsylvania would become the eighth state in the country to take sucha a step.
The announcement is scheduled to be held at the state Capitol at 2:00 p.m.
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