A McDonald Borough park was closed earlier this week after what officials said was increasing drug activity and a rise in drug paraphernalia disposed of there. Drug-related needles have been found at the park, including in dugouts at the ball field that serves as a home field to the McDonald Youth Baseball and Softball leagues. […]
The Washington Opioid Overdose Coalition, formed in 2016 to address Washington County’s opioid crisis, hosted its annual community meeting Wednesday to discuss the organization’s efforts to prevent opioid overdoses, reduce stigma, and provide access to treatment. “Since 2016, we’ve developed strategic plans, and we have had an impact on overdoses resulting in deaths in the […]
Overshadowed by the the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis continues in the U.S and southwestern Pennsylvania.
Stress, isolation, limited access to resources, and job losses are all factors that could be attributing to the rising rates of substance abuse and overdoses during the coronavirus epidemic, local experts said.
Last year, 12 people died from accidental overdoses in Greene County, while nearly 100 people died in Washington County in 2020, according to Coroner Tim Warco.
âItâs very much a concern,â said Cheryl Andrews, executive director of the Washington County Drug and Alcohol Commission. âIf we want to put a message out there, itâs that help is available. People can still go to treatment.â