Members of Pennsylvania Governor Wolf’s Administration joined the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network (PAHRN), members of the General Assembly and other advocates and stakeholders in support of expanding access to life-saving harm reduction services for individuals struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD). Two bills that focus on harm reduction were discussed: Senate Bill 926, sponsored by Senators Pat Browne and Anthony Williams, and a forthcoming House Bill from Representatives Jim Struzzi and Ed Gainey that would legalize syringe services programs in Pennsylvania. “Syringe Services programs are a valuable tool in assisting people to enter treatment as well as helping to reduce HIV and HCV,” said Sen. Browne. “In addition, expanding these programs in Pennsylvania will save the commonwealth millions of dollars annually and reduce the burden on our health care system.” House Bill 1393, sponsored by Rep. Struzzi, and Senate Bill 845, sponsored by Sen. Tim Kearney, would legalize fentanyl test strips for personal use. “The rapid proliferation of fentanyl has been killing thousands of Pennsylvanians and destroying our families for years, and legalizing fentanyl test strips is a common sense change we can make to save lives,” said Sen. Kearney. “People cannot recover from addiction if they are dead – it’s time to get with the evidence and fight smart against addiction.”
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