As the opioid crisis continues to grip communities across the nation, Lehigh County is stepping up with a comprehensive approach to combat this devastating epidemic. In September’s episode of The Prevention Platform, Ashley Dallas, Director of Prevention Services at Valley Youth House, spoke with Molly Stanton, Assistant Administrator for the Department of Drug and Alcohol in Lehigh County, to shed light on the county’s efforts to address opioid addiction and overdose.
The Scope of the Crisis
Opioids, including both prescription medications and illicit drugs like fentanyl, have wreaked havoc on communities across the country. Prescription opioids, originally intended for pain management, have a high potential for addiction due to their euphoric effects. The crisis has been exacerbated by the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are significantly more potent and are often mixed with other drugs, leading to an increase in overdose deaths.
In Lehigh County, the impact of this crisis has been severe. In 2022, the county reported 163 opioid-related overdose deaths, with 84% of these fatalities linked to opioids and 76% specifically involving fentanyl. Although these numbers are alarming, there is a glimmer of hope: the county has seen a 4% decrease in opioid-related deaths since 2021.
For anyone seeking help or more information, reaching out to the Lehigh County Department of Drug and Alcohol is a critical first step. You can learn more by visiting their website here, or calling the office at 610-782-3555. By staying informed and engaged, individuals and families can contribute to the broader effort to address and ultimately overcome the opioid epidemic.
