HARRISBURG – Sens. Dan Laughlin (R-49) and Anthony Williams (D-8) will introduce legislation aimed at helping individuals regain control of their lives following a drug overdose in which a life-sustaining medication was administered. The event to announce the bill introduction will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 9 a.m. in the state Capitol’s Main Rotunda.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental health condition that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol or medications.
An individual suffering with SUD is a harm to themselves and others as they lack the ability to make good decisions or manage their own personal affairs and take care of their own basic needs. Unfortunately, too often when this disorder is left untreated, individuals resort to criminal behavior leading to jail or worse.
The legislation would create an involuntary commitment process for those given a life-sustaining drug to counteract a drug overdose who have been transported to a hospital to be evaluated. This process would be similar to the 302 commitment process, provided for by Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Procedures Act, which seeks an involuntary commitment for emergency evaluation and treatment for persons who are a danger to themselves or others due to a mental illness.
Recovery is the key for individuals with SUD to move forward. However, without treatment, there is no recovery.
You can watch the event live here.
Contact: David Kozak 717-787-8927