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State hopes new tool will make difference in the opioid crisis fight

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Like many EMS stations, Susquehanna Township has to buy its own naloxone. Director Matt Baily says his station’s costs have increased as more naloxone is required to revive people as synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have become more common. The station can bill the patient, but it rarely sees that money. (Brett Sholtis/Transforming Health)

(Undated) — The effort to fight the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania is receiving a boost.

A database — known as the “Overdose Information Network” or ODIN — will contain all available stats on overdoses, Naloxone doses administered and other key information. 

ODIN will be utilized to better track and share information related to opioid abuse in communities across the state.

“For law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, ODIN provides crucial data about overdoses, heroin seizures, locations of opioid-related incidents, and other critical information to aid in the apprehension of offenders who bring illegal drugs into our communities,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “This technology allows law enforcement to streamline real-time data sharing so actionable information does not slip through the cracks.”

State Police Captain Troy Hyman describes it as a “real time” information-sharing platform.

“Analysis from ODIN can be used by law enforcement, public health officials, lawmakers and others to create effective treatment and prevention strategies,” he said.

For example, ODIN will provide details on where in the state Naloxone is being administered, how many times an individual patient has received a dose, and the demographics of the overdose victims receiving the drug.

“When it comes to addressing a multi-faceted public health crisis like the opioid crisis, the availability of accurate and updated information is critical,” said Deputy Secretary Barishansky. “ODIN is an important step forward toward a new level of collaboration among health and public safety professionals.”

The Wolf Administration says the network will be vital to the state’s new Opioid Operational Command Center — which was established after the governor declared an opioid disaster emergency earlier this year. 

If agencies are unable to enter their own information, county 911 centers will be able to enter the relevant data.

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