Two excellent op eds in today's Philadelphia Inquirer: One focuses on the continuing opioid crisis, despite PA's GOP legislature's stripping of the Governor's power to declare it. The other written by US Congressional Rep Wild (D-PA) on the need for improved mental health services for our high school and college students.
Addressing the Needs of Those with Dual Diagnosis is a Key to Solving the Overdose Crisis
Safe Injection Sites Save Lives, Increase Chances to Convince the User to Seek Treatment, Reduce Outdoor Use And Needle Litter
OCAN Participates in Bridge to Recovery Memorial Walk
Heather Arata, Shelby Arata, Pat Griggs and Larry Arata represented OCAN at the Bridge to Recovery Overdose Awareness Memorial Walk 9/11/21 at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. Over 1,000 people took the one-mile lap together around the stadium, along the Delaware River, under the Commodore Barry Bridge and then enjoyed music, a few speakers told the stories of their lost loved ones and raised money for the cause of recovery. It is a day in which families impacted by the opioid crisis typically wear a same-colored shirt commemorating their lost loved one. There were shirts of many colors and they walked together as families and talked about the one they miss. It is a sad day but so inspirational because also gathered are hundreds of those who are in recovery and the treatment centers, recovery homes and charities that are helping them on their recovery journey. OCAN is proud to participate again in this great event.
Delco Jail Holding Many Mentally Ill and Addicted
Counties all over the nation warehouse the mentally ill and addicted. They deserve treatment and housing, not prison. If we pursued these public policies, it would be better for taxpayers too! It is time for reform!
SpotlightPA invites OCAN to Participate in Panel Discussion on the Opioid Crisis
OCAN Board Member, Sharon White, will represent OCAN on this panel hosted by SpotlightPA, a group of elite investigative journalists. We are honored to be included in this panel. Please join the conversation this Thursday, 9/9/21 at noon.
Patients Should be Provided Multiple- day Prescriptions of Methadone
Patients should be provided multiple -day prescriptions to eliminate the “handcuffs” of single day scripts and encourage others to pursue medical best practices treatment.
Heather Arata featured on today's Radio Times show
Heather Arata called into today's NPR Radio Times show with Marty Moss-Conane about the Opioid Crisis. She told our Brendan's story in a very compelling manner and explained the goals of our non-profit, the Opioid Crisis Action Network (last 20 minutes of the show).
Great article about the Opioid Crisis Action Network in today's on line edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer!
“I know we’re not providing the public with the information that they need to make the right choices in terms of treatment and facilities,” PA State Sen. Judy Schwank (D., Berks)
This above sincere quote from this very thorough Spotlight PA article is the basis of OCAN’s upcoming legislative proposal (not mentioned in this article). We had no way to determine where to send our son when he needed a recovery home.