HARRISBURG – State Sen. John Wozniak (D-Cambria/Bedford/Clearfield) said that Monday’s report released by Pennsylvania’s Center for Rural Pennsylvania concerning heroin addiction treatment and recovery services will help in better understanding the problem and how it impacts communities across Pennsylvania.
“The findings are an important roadmap for understanding heroin addiction and treatment,” Wozniak said. “The report is comprehensive and includes recommendations from those who presented information during the center’s series of public hearings.”
Wozniak serves as the vice-chair of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. He spoke at a news conference at the state Capitol about the report. The report represents findings compiled from statewide hearings held in locations around the state.
“Pennsylvania’s policymakers have no choice but to take forceful action in responding to the scourge of heroin,” Wozniak said. “This is not just an urban problem. It is a health epidemic that reaches into communities, big and small, rich and poor, all across the state.”
The Westmont lawmaker said that education about heroin addiction is critical and that the availability of treatment options must be a priority. He also said that just as important is an effort to educate young men and women about the costs of heroin addiction.
“The hearings around the state were important and the information offered provides lawmakers with policy choices that should be explored,” Wozniak said. “Failing to act to stem the tide of heroin addiction is not an option.”