Downloadable Documents
The task force recently approved a three-year strategic plan which identifies five priorities:
- Increase access and utilization of naloxone to save lives.
- Build capacity to treat SUD/OUD and promote recovery in Blair County.
- Ensure that all residents of Blair County are well-informed on signs of a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)/Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), overdose, treatment, and recovery options, and opioid removal programs available in the community.
- Implement a 24/7 warm handoff throughout Blair County.
- Increase community awareness and reduce stigma.
Do You Need Help Finding Resources for Yourself or a Loved One?
Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships: 814-381-0921
Blair County Community Action Housing Support
Updated Blair County Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Calendar
Updated Blair County Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Calendar
Get Involved
- The Blair County Overdose Prevention Task Force meets the first Wednesday of every month from 2-3:30 at Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships (3001 Fairway Drive Altoona, PA). All are welcome!
Facts About the Opioid Epidemic*
National Statistics
- Heroin-related overdose deaths have quadrupled since 2010, as the heroin use has increased during that time frame.
- From 2014-2015, heroin overdose death rates increased by 20.6%, with nearly 13,000 people dying in 2015.
- Among new heroin users, approximately 3 out of 4 report having abused prescription opioids prior to using heroin.
- More than 9 in 10 people who used heroin also used at least one other drug.
Pennsylvania Statistics
- In 2018, Pennsylvania coroners and medical examiners reported 4,491 drug-related overdose deaths (ruled accidental or undetermined).
- This number represents a rate of 35 deaths per 100,000 people.
- Between 2015 and 2018, there was a 36% increase in the number of drug-related overdose deaths in Pennsylvania .
*National statistics are from www.cdc.gov and state statistics are from www.overdosefreepa.org
Blair County Overdose Death Data
- 2017: 50
- 2018: 26