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ALLENTOWN, April 29 – The opioid crisis is a massive public health and public safety challenge in Pennsylvania, so lawmakers will convene in Allentown for a hearing about the evolving epidemic.
The hearing, “The Evolving Epidemic: Opioids and Treatment Options” will be hosted by PA House Democratic Policy Committee Chair Ryan Bizzarro and state Rep. Mike Schlossberg and will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 2 at the Cetronia Ambulance Corps, 4300 Broadway in Allentown.
The opioid overdose death count for 2021 was 4,300 and that number is still rising as more data comes in. During the hearing, lawmakers will receive testimony from people impacted by the opioid epidemic, health experts, addiction management specialists and law enforcement.
Testifiers include:
- 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
The media and public are invited in-person.
Information about this and other PA House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policycommittee.
Information provided to TVL by:
Lucas Bezerra
House Democratic Communications Office
