Smart Talk: treatment bed shortage, farm preservation

 

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, August 26, 2016, with guest host Ben Allen:

At least 3,500 people died of a drug overdose in Pennsylvania last year, and this year’s total is expected to climb even higher.

How many of those people tried to get help, but couldn’t get into a treatment facility?

Experts have frequently cited a shortage of treatment beds for people addicted to opioids like heroin, oxycodone, or suboxone.

Cheryl Dondero, Executive Director of Dauphin County Drug and Alcohol Services will be in studio to talk about it, and why there’s hope for people battling addiction.

This weekend in Lancaster, a Recovery Day walk is happening. The event will take place on Sunday and aims to show it’s possible to live a productive life after addiction.

Scott Theurer is the executive director of Lancaster County Recovery Alliance, and joins us.

Finally, the Department of Agriculture recently announced its preserved 5,000 farms in the state.

How did it reach this milestone, and how does it balance preservation with development?

Secretary Russell Redding will answer those questions and more on Smart Talk.