We urge Governor Shapiro and state legislators to take immediate action to address the growing crisis of drug-related deaths in Pennsylvania. We demand justice and accountability for the victims and their families.

I'll never forget the day my son Tomasso Dino died. February 28, 2024, is etched in my memory forever. Tomasso was just 25 years old, with his whole life ahead of him. He had struggled with addiction, but had been in recovery for almost two years. He was doing well, and we thought he was on the path to a brighter future.

But then, he relapsed. He made the fatal mistake of using again, and it cost him his life. The pain of losing him is indescribable. The grief is overwhelming. But what's even harder to accept is that his death was preventable. If only the dealer who sold him the deadly drugs had been held accountable, maybe Tomasso would still be here today.

The inaccurate labeling of overdoses as "accidental" is a slap in the face to families like mine. It implies that Tomasso's death was just a mistake, rather than the result of a deliberate act by a drug dealer or trafficker. It's unacceptable that drug-induced death cases are difficult to prosecute. We need to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools and support to hold dealers accountable.

The statistics are alarming. In 2023, Pennsylvania saw approximately 4,764 fatal overdoses, yet only 235 DDRD cases were filed, resulting in just 24 convictions. In Schuylkill County, where my son lived and died, only 6 DDRD cases were filed between 2019 and 2023.

We Demand:

1. Increase resources for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute drug-induced homicide cases, ensuring that those responsible for selling deadly drugs are held accountable.
2. Mandate police to treat each apparent overdose as a crime scene, collecting evidence and pursuing leads to bring perpetrators to justice.
   
   
3. Provide comprehensive training for police and prosecutors to effectively handle drug-related cases, ensuring that they have the tools and expertise needed to secure convictions.
4. Ensure consistent and severe sentencing for those convicted of DDRD, sending a strong message that our state will not tolerate those who profit from the suffering of others.
   
   
5. Update death certificate protocols to accurately reflect the role of drug dealers and traffickers in overdose deaths, rather than simply labeling them as “accidental.”

If you've lost a loved one to a drug-related death, share your story in the comments. Together, we can create change and hold those responsible accountable. Sign this petition and share it with others to show your support.