Formed to combat the ongoing epidemic in the area, the Washington County Opioid Overdose Coalition is making an impact and saving lives.

The coalition, whose vision is “to eliminate opioid overdoses, stigma associated with Opioid Use Disorder, and to ensure every patient with an Opioid Use Disorder has access to and support throughout treatment and recovery,” meets monthly at the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission Building.

Members of the coalition include representatives of the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission, Washington County District Attorney’s Office, Washington County Coroner’s Office, Washington Ambulance and Chair, Washington Department of Public Safety, Monongahela Valley Hospital, Washington Health System, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The coalition also includes members of the faith-based community, recovery community members, prevention specialists, treatment providers, members of county government, law enforcement, and youth service workers. The coalition’s co-chairs are Cheryl Andrews, Executive Director of the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission, and President Judge John DiSalle. Eugene A. “Gene” Vittone II, the late District Attorney of Washington County, is honored and remembered as a co-chair and passionate supporter of the Washington County Opioid Overdose Coalition.

The coalition recently approved a three-year strategic plan which identifies the following priorities:

• Coordinate efforts between law enforcement, the legal system, and treatment.
• Increase access and utilization of naloxone to save lives.
• Increase community awareness to reduce stigma.
• Educate individuals and families about addiction and overdose, particularly those at high-risk, and all persons in contact with high-risk individuals ,and those with an OUD or addiction.
• Increase access and utilization of SUD treatment programs.

Washington County Narcan Use Survey

8-31-23 Overdose Awareness Day Save the Date

2023 Recovery Walk

Facts About the Opioid Epidemic*

National Statistics

• The number of heroin-involved overdose deaths was nearly seven times higher in 2020 than in 1999.
• More than 932,000 people have died since 1999 from a drug overdose.
• Nearly 75% of drug overdose deaths in 2020 involved an opioid.
• Overdoses involving opioids killed nearly 69,000 people in 2020, and over 82% of those deaths involved synthetic opioids.

Pennsylvania Statistics

• There were 5,331 unintentional overdose deaths in Pennsylvania in 2021.
• Each day on average, nearly 15 Pennsylvanians died from a drug overdose in 2021.
• 84 percent (4,503) were confirmed to be opioid-related, a two percent increase in opioid-related deaths compared to 2020 (4,398).

*National statistics are from www.cdc.gov and state statistics are from www.health.pa.gov

Lives Lost to accidental overdoses in Washington County, PA

• 2019: 77
• 2020: 100
• 2021: 106
• 2022: 87 (as of January 18, 2023)

Do You Need Help Finding Resources for Yourself or a Loved One?

• Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission: (724) 223-1181
• Centers of Excellence:  1-888-810-8595

Coalition Member of the Month

Breanne Pugh, WDAC

Hi, I’m Breanne. I enjoy photography. A few years ago, through the company I was working for (McMillen Photography), I had the opportunity to photograph former Pittsburgh Steeler, Merril Hoge’s, wedding. I have always been passionate about helping others and have always had a desire to make a difference. Through the coalition, I can be a voice for the voiceless, eliminate stigma surrounding substance use disorder (SUD), and save lives. The most impactful part of being a member of the coalition is being surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals who are after the same goal – eliminating overdoses and the stigma associated with SUD. Through the coalition, we are able to see that the work we are doing is impacting the community we serve and that we are in fact, making a difference. I want my community to know that recovery is possible and that recovery is not “one size fits all.” There are multiple paths to recovery. By working together, treating people with compassion, and lending a hand to those in need, we can increase the likelihood that individuals within our community will seek recovery.

Membership

Coalition Co-Chairs

Prevention / Community Outreach / Recovery Subcommittee Leadership

The Prevention, Community Outreach, and Recovery Subcommittee supports individuals in Washington County communities that have been affected by opioids and opioid overdose. We do this by empowering individuals to make informed choices while reducing stigma through education and outreach in a safe and inclusive environment. Additionally, we will promote access to resources, evidenced-based services, and support.

Harm Reduction / Coordination / Treatment Subcommittee Leadership 

The Harm Reduction, Treatment, and Coordination Subcommittee builds connections with first responders, law enforcement, community partners, and treatment providers to facilitate partnerships with the recovery community. We provide education for these partners who save lives daily, facilitate warm hand-offs to treatment, and promote person-centered recovery. This empowers partners to engage people where they are to decrease overdose and increase the health and well-being of Washington County