Feb. 01, 2018
FARMINGTON – Rep. Matthew Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) hosted the House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), in hearing testimony on the effects of opioid abuse effect on children at the Historic Stone House in Farmington Wednesday.
“The testimony we heard today on opioid addiction, and the effects on children, was both compelling and horrifying at the same time,” said Dowling. “We had a cross-section of government officials, medical professionals and others who provided strong information to the committee as the work against this crippling addiction crisis goes forward. There is, obviously, much more to do. I am grateful for the input we received today.”
Among the witnesses was Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, who said the caseloads on county services has expanded dramatically because of the opioid addiction problem.
“The effect on Children and Youth Services caseworkers, who are already overworked and under duress as they strive to keep Pennsylvania’s at-risk children safe, has been extreme,” said DePasquale. “Without exception, caseworkers and others who work in this field have told me that the opioid crisis has dramatically increased caseloads and increasingly jeopardized child safety and well-being.”
Jana Kyle of the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Agency said the opioid crisis can become generational, as addicted parents can pass this down to their children as they see the example placed before them.
“The average age of the opioid addict is 45 to 54 years old, and this can affect children, thus aggravating the crisis,” said Kyle.
On a positive note, Gina D’Auria of Fayette County Children and Youth Services said there are more residents stepping up
“There are faith-based and religious-based groups that are working to help in this crisis,” she said She added that more funding, and more flexibility to use the funding, is needed to address the opioid crisis.
Dowling said the hearing in its entirety will be available to residents on the following sources:
- WMBS Radio 590 AM in Uniontown: Feb. 1 at 10 p.m.
- Armstrong Cable channels 20 and 100: Feb. 8 at noon and 9 p.m., and Feb. 9 at noon and 9 p.m.
- Fayette County TV: Feb. 3 at noon, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. Feb. 7 at 11 a.m., Feb.8 at 3 p.m., and Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
This hearing will also be available on Dowling’s website at
RepDowling.com.
Representative Matthew Dowling
51st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
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