Sep. 26, 2018
HARRISBURG – As part of continuing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today unanimously approved legislation by Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) to form a commission to assist counties in developing anti-addiction programs.
Under Kaufer’s
House Bill 122, the Project Lazarus Commission would be established. The commission would consist of legislators and administration officials who would develop an evidence-based best practice model to assist counties with building comprehensive community-based programs to address the opioid crisis. The commission would take into consideration its impact on other taxpayer-funded services, such as schools, medical assistance, local governments, hospitals and law enforcement.
“The Project Lazarus Commission would seek out the best practices for combating opioid addiction in our communities. This holistic approach also brings uniformity in how the state combats this crisis, creating a united front,” Kaufer said. “I want to thank members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for recognizing the good this commission would do for Pennsylvania. I look forward to the full Senate considering the bill.”
Specifically, Kaufer’s legislation would encourage the wide use of naloxone, the antidote to advert overdoses; opioid education, awareness and prevention; safe prescribing practices for care providers; unwanted prescription drug drop-off boxes; peer-guided recovery support; and more.
House Bill 122, which now goes to the full Senate for consideration, is part of a comprehensive package of 10 bills aimed at addressing the opioid crisis in the Commonwealth.
For more information about this legislation, or any other state-related issue, contact Kaufer’s district office in Luzerne located at 161 Main St., by calling 570-283-1001. Information can also be found online at RepKaufer.com or Facebook.com/RepKaufer.
Representative Aaron Kaufer
120th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepKaufer.com /
Facebook.com/RepKaufer