The Evolving Epidemic: Opioids and Treatment Options

Policy Committee    May 4, 2022 | 10:27 AM

ALLENTOWN, May 2 – The opioid overdose death count for all of 2021 was 4,300 and that number is still rising as more data continues to come in. The opioid crisis is a massive public health and public safety challenge in Pennsylvania, so lawmakers convened in Allentown for a hearing about the evolving epidemic.

The hearing, “The Evolving Epidemic: Opioids and Treatment Options” was hosted by Chair Ryan Bizzarro and Rep. Mike Schlossberg on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cetronia Ambulance Corps on 4300 Broadway, Allentown, PA 18104.

Host + Testifiers

• Hosts: Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, and Chair Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie
• Testifiers:
  • Nancy Knoebel, founder, Danny’s Ride 
  • Rhonda Miller, volunteer ambassador, Shatterproof 
  • David Synnamon, injury prevention manager, Allentown Health Bureau 
  • Dr. Abby Letcher, medical director for primary care addiction medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network 
  • Amie Allanson-Dundon, clinical therapy services, psychotherapist, St. Lukes University Health Network 
  • Ellen DiDomenico, deputy secretary, PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs 
  • Hon. Douglas Reichley, Court of Common Pleas judge, Lehigh County 

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and list of participants: The Evolving Epidemic: Opioids and Treatment Options

Media Release + News Coverage

• Policy Hearing: Opioids and Treatment Options, May 2, 2022
• The Valley Ledger, POLICY HEARING: OPIOIDS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS, May 3, 2022
• Morning Call, Pa. lawmakers told of tragic loss of access to drug abuse treatment medicine: 'I will carry this burden of guilt for the rest of my life', May 3, 2022

Video + Photos

• May 2, 2022 photo album: Opioids and Treatement Options