Pennsylvania’s Heroin Epidemic

It wasn’t that long ago that a heroin user would stick a needle in his or her arm to get high in some back alley of a large city — at least that’s what most of us pictured.

Much has changed and not for the better.

Today’s heroin can be more pure and powerful, may be mixed with other substances, and cheaper to buy. Users also don’t have to “shoot up” to ingest the drug either. At the same time, heroin has found its way into Pennsylvania suburbs and small towns too.

What this means is heroin is a major problem in Pennsylvania and in the Central Pennsylvania region.

York County provides an example. At least 18 people have died from heroin overdoses this year. That’s one more than all of last year.

Another difference from the past is prescription drugs seem to be the gateway drug for users. Some go as far as mixing medications and heroin.

Joining us to examine heroin in Central Pennsylvania are Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Duecker of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics, Jack Carroll, Executive Director of the Cumberland-Perry Drug and Alcohol Commission, and York County District Attorney Thomas Kearney.

This episode of Smart Talk is part of WITF’s Transforming Health–a look at the changing tide of healthcare. From policy to personal choices we’re taking a comprehensive look at today’s health system. Online at Transforming Health (dot) org. A partnership of WITF, PinnacleHealth and lead partner WellSpan Health.

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