HARRISBURG, May 16 -- Rep. Maureen Madden today announced the Pennsylvania House passed her legislation that would expand access to a Medication for Opioid Use Disorder program in county jails across the state. The bill passed the House with broad bipartisan support 192-11. “Today marks a significant step forward in our fight against the opioid epidemic that continues to devastate communities across Pennsylvania,” said Madden, D-Monroe. “By passing my legislation, we are ensuring that county jails would have the ability to offer all FDA-approved medications, including buprenorphine and its long-acting injectable form, Sublocade. for opioid use disorder. This legislation would remove outdated restrictions and empower local facilities to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to individuals struggling with addiction.” Currently, Act 80 of 2015, which set up a treatment grant program for county jails to help inmates experiencing substance use disorder, limits county jails to offering only naltrexone (Vivitrol) for MOUD, a medication that requires individuals to undergo detoxification before use. In contrast, buprenorphine and Sublocade can be administered without the need for detox, offering a more accessible and effective treatment option for many individuals. “The opioid crisis does not discriminate, and neither should our approach to treatment,” Madden said. “By aligning county Read more