OCAN Supports PA HB 1393 Fentanyl Test Strip Legalization Promoted by the PA Harm Reduction Network. Please call PA Senator Lisa Baker and ask her to post the bill for a Judiciary Committee vote.

Dear Harm Reduction Organizers and Supporters,

Monday, June 20th, 2022, HB1393 Fentanyl Test Strip Bill with two crucial amendments, expanding drug checking equipment and removing the personal use barrier for third-party checking, passed through the House voted 0-200, making it a unanimous vote! The continuous dedication to advocacy is the reason we made it today. The bill is now on its way to the Senate Judiciary Committee. We thank everyone who took the time to help make this possible.

We are only days away from the end of this legislative session, and every second counts! Please click HERE for a call to action to Senate Judiciary Chair Lisa Baker to post the bill for a committee vote.

Vote YES on HB1393 - Fentanyl Test Strip Bill

Thank you for your commitment to advocating for smart public health policies. We cannot do this work without you!

With gratitude,

Carla Sofronski
PA Harm Reduction Network
via ActionNetwork.org
info@email.actionnetwork.org

OCAN Writes Grant for One Month's Rent at New Beginnings Recovery Home, Ambler, PA, for Chris Talese

The Opioid Crisis Action Network (OCAN) wrote a grant today to the New Beginnings Recovery Home in Ambler, PA on behalf of Chris Talese, pictured below, to cover his first month's rent and a separate smaller contribution to the home's food pantry. Chris posted a plea for financial support for rent at a recovery home on the Never Surrender Hope Facebook page last week. Heather Arata saw it and messaged Chris. Larry Arata spoke to Chris on the phone, met him at the home Tuesday, received a tour from a resident there, displaying what a clean, comfortable home it is, spoke to co-owner Tara Gaudioso, and learned about their rules, services and practices. Tara's brother Frank also interviewed Chris to make certain he is a good fit for the home. Most impressive is Tara's and Frank's commitment to their residents' participation in three intensive outpatient (IOP) therapy sessions per week, 2-3 hours per session, individual and group therapy. They also support those pursuing medical best practices medication - assisted treatment (MAT) regimes. Chris has a prescription for buprenorphine which has helped him stay sober for several months. Chris has had a difficult journey but is serious about his recovery and his goal is to be a model father to his daughters and friend to those in recovery. Please contribute so we can continue our mission to help those in recovery.

Singer, song-writer, Julia Mark, daughter of our friend, Charlie Mark, another great musician, sent her newest creation to me today and suggested I share it:

Links to streaming the song:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/juliamark/love--energy-adams-song

Lyrics:

Little things I loved about you that I never shared Race up toward the surface and they’re gasping for air Thought I saw you yesterday and every day But you’re not the there It is just a handsome stranger with baby blonde hair Saw you in the casket, your face - it wasn’t right I couldn’t find you in there, couldn’t catch your light I am not religious but in this I do believe: some things cannot be destroyed Love and energy When I met you, it was Springtime We went to that show, had so much fun I had to buy the beer ‘cause you were not quite 21 At the set break in the kitchen You pretended to get mad and cursed You said I stole your thunder because I kissed you first And when I think of you I see with a book, a boyish grin Dancing and philosophizing, singing Sipping on some gin I see you workin on translations just like I am doing now Trying to make sense of all this, somehow I saw you in the casket, your face - it wasn’t right I couldn’t find you in there, couldn’t catch your light I am not religious but in this I do believe: some things cannot be destroyed Love and energy