South Central PA News

Jan 5, 2024 - Pennsylvania is facing a devastating crisis of drug overdoses, fueled by the prevalence of fentanyl. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 177,000 lives were lost to drug overdoses in the state between 2018 and 2022. Pennsylvania has become an epicenter of this crisis, with one of the highest overdose death rates in the nation.

The crisis has affected various regions and populations across the state. In cities like Philadelphia, there were 1,411 deaths, while Allegheny County had 707 deaths. Even smaller counties like York, Schuylkill, and Franklin also experienced significant numbers of overdose deaths.

In addition to fentanyl, a new deadly threat has emerged in Pennsylvania - xylazine, a lethal tranquilizer that is being mixed with other drugs and leading to more overdose deaths. Recent CDC data reveals that Pennsylvania had the highest number of xylazine-related deaths in the country between 2019 and 2022.

While the prevalence of fentanyl and xylazine has devastated communities across the state, hospital emergency rooms have struggled to adapt to this new epidemic. A study by Epic Research found that only 5% of emergency department encounters for overdoses in U.S. hospitals included a screening test for fentanyl in August 2022. The figure increased to just 14% one year later.

Accurate testing for fentanyl and xylazine is crucial in helping those suffering from addiction. Without a positive urine test for these substances, patients may not be accepted into treatment programs, or their treatment could be denied by insurance companies. Furthermore, clear identification of all substances involved in a patient's visit is essential for effective treatment and continuing care.

Testing for fentanyl and xylazine can save lives by alerting patients, doctors, providers, or parents about dangerous situations and prompting prescriptions for naloxone, an overdose-reversal medication. It can also motivate patients to dispose of counterfeit pills and inform friends who may be using them. Additionally, testing can help connect patients with drug abuse treatment options and assist law enforcement in the apprehension and prosecution of drug dealers.

A tragic real-life example highlights the importance of mandatory hospital testing. Tyler Shamash, a 19-year-old young man, arrived at an emergency room in 2018 and received a standard five-panel toxicology screen. Unfortunately, the test did not detect fentanyl, and Tyler tragically died from an overdose the next day. His mother, Juli Shamash, has since become an activist advocating for improved drug testing accuracy. Her story inspired Senator Doug Mastriano to introduce Senate Bill 683.

Senate Bill 683, now Act 43, has gained wide bipartisan approval from the General Assembly and was signed into law by the governor on December 14. This law requires all hospitals in Pennsylvania to include testing for fentanyl and xylazine in their standard five-panel urine drug screening for patients in emergency room settings. By ensuring more accurate diagnoses and treatment, Act 43 aims to save lives and provide a better understanding of fentanyl- and xylazine-related overdoses to shape public policy.

While Act 43 is a significant step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done to combat the drug overdose scourge in Pennsylvania. The General Assembly must pass legislation that improves overdose data reporting, institutes stronger penalties for drug dealers, and increases pathways to recovery services for those suffering from addiction.

Senator Doug Mastriano, who represents the 33rd Senatorial District covering Adams and Franklin counties, sponsored Senate Bill 683. His commitment to addressing the drug crisis and saving lives in Pennsylvania has led to the enactment of Act 43. This new hospital drug-testing law will play a crucial role in the fight against drug overdoses and provide hope for a brighter future.

For media inquiries, please contact Josh Herman at 717-787-9603.

To learn more, click on this link: https://senatormastriano.com/2024/01/05/new-hospital-drug-testing-law-will-save-lives-in-pennsylvania/