Westmoreland Community Action's Important Information Regarding the Recent Rash of Heroin Overdoses
It is certain that you are aware of the rash of overdoses, many resulting in death, that have been occurring in Western Pennsylvania. There have been various news reports regarding these occurrences, as well as official public notices and alerts that have gone out by some of your offices, the Attorney General, the Health Department, law enforcement agencies and others, both locally and statewide.
Several very important notices are included below, in turn, you can release them to your information networks and colleagues. The sharing of information about the dangers that exist and where they exist, measures to take to curtail continued occurrences of overdose, and how to appropriately respond to these overdoses when they do occur is of upmost importance to limit and bring this current situation to a close in the most effective way possible and to prevent further loss of life.
While this situation is obviously an immediate concern in western PA, the issue must be of concern for all of us and we must do due diligence statewide. Therefore, Secretary Tennis thanks you in advance for sharing this information, and for your expedient response to this matter.
Please cut and paste these links into your browser for more information:
For recommendations for medical providers in Southwestern Pennsylvania: http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1105491688950-128/2014-PAHAN-0276-1-28-14-ADV.pdf
For a heroin overdose alert: http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1105491688950-129/CIKR+02-14+Heroin+Overdose+Alert.pdf
More information regarding an overdose:
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1105491688950-131/PPPOD+info+card+FINAL.pdf
Instructions on sending tips on heroin overdoses via text to the DEA:
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1105491688950-132/DEA+Tip+Notice.pdf
If you're interested in reading more, check out these links:
Allegheny County Health Department and Prevention Point Pittsburgh offer information related to preventing drug overdose deaths and offering assistance:
http://www.alleghenycounty.us/news/2014/20140128.aspx