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Doctors discuss drug overdose crises and resources on International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is Wednesday and Dr. Bonnie Milas, Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine for the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and Dr. Patti Anewalt, Director of Pathways Center for Grief & Loss joined us on Tuesday’s Smart Talk to spread awareness of the drug overdose epidemic and provide resources that for victims and families.

By Aniya Faulcon

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Fentanyl behind rise in drug overdose deaths

More than 107,000 people died of drug overdoses in the U.S. last year

By Scott LaMar

Legislation aims to prevent drug overdose deaths and diseases with ‘syringe services programs’

Such programs already operate in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton.

By Brett Sholtis

Opioid deaths accelerated during the pandemic, lockdowns fueling an unintended outcome

The COVID-19 public health response “just spun everything out of control,” for those at risk of opioid abuse

By Merideth Bucher

Pennsylvania’s overdose deaths rose in 2020, CDC says

The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the overdose epidemic, as lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions isolated those with drug addictions and made treatment harder to get, experts said.

By The Associated Press

Pennsylvania can’t fine addiction treatment facilities that break rules. Some lawmakers want to change that.

The ability to charge fines or fees could weed out bad actors and prevent ongoing harm, experts say, but there’s already pushback from the provider industry.

By Ed Mahon/Spotlight PA
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