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