Co-Chairs
Al Walker
Stefanie Salavantis
The number of people lost each year to overdoses continues to rise, bringing much needed attention to this problem. This fast-moving epidemic does not distinguish between age, sex, ethnicity, or social-economic factors. And, this situation did not develop overnight, but it has quickly become one of the biggest public health crisis’ in America. This is why it is the public safety subcommittee’s mission to find ways to coordinate better communication and collaboration between law enforcement and the public health entities in Luzerne County.
Studies have shown that the most effective way to help people with a substance use disorder is by having first responders’ participation in the process. They are on the front lines of this epidemic and to have their cooperation helps greatly in this fight. This partnership will help connect people with a substance use disorder to proper treatment in order to prevent the continued increase in overdoses and find ways to prevent future incarceration and the reduction in recidivism.
We are also working on finding ways to recognize first responders who go above and beyond to assist individuals with a substance use disorder. It is important to show first responders why the work they are doing in this area is so important to not only the individuals and their families going through it, but also the community.