In 2015, 3,383 drug-related overdose deaths were reported in Pennsylvania, an increase of 23.4 percent from the total number of overdose deaths (2,742) reported in 2014.
***the federal government is attempting to pass a law called IMD Exclusion. If passed it will be in effect as of January 1, 2017. This law is terrifying. It will ensure that any person seeking drug and alcohol treatment with medical assistance will only receive 15 days of inpatient treatment, including detox.
We are in the midst of an epidemic. And simply denying a person the right to proper treatment is not the solution to this crisis. I am living proof that long term treatment works. I see it work in my clients lives. It's an incredible thing to witness someone on day one build themselves into the person they need to be but never thought obtainable by day 180. If I sent someone at my facility home after day 15 I'd be setting them up for failure. And this sort of failure results in death.
I'm pleading with you, begging you to think about this. Really let it sink in. Try to imagine what our communities will look like when we deny long term treatment. What our prisons will look like. What our children & youth services will look like. If the vision you have is scaring you then you need to call your state representative and urge them to VOTE AGAINST IMD EXCLUSION. If you need contact information PM me and I'll be happy to give you the phone numbers, email & physical addresses to these very important people who possess the power to ensure that someone you love will be able to receive the type of treatment they are in desperate need of.