First opioid overdose of 2019 hits Franklin County, fentanyl use rises in Pa.

Just 12 days into January, Franklin County saw its first opioid overdose of the year. 

In 2018, that number had reached 32, which was just three deaths less than in 2017.

Although this number is lower compared to the previous year, Franklin County District Attorney Matt Fogal argued it could be interpreted in various ways during an annual update on the opioid crisis in the area Thursday afternoon. 

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It could be seen as not much of a decrease, or that it means three less lives were lost. 

"Regardless of how one determines to interpret the number 32, we in the Franklin County Overdose Task Force know that our fight continues, and we move forward working as hard as ever," Fogal said. "We will never spike a football in the end zone when we make an accomplishment, and will remain calm and resolute in the face of failure." 

But this is only one piece of the puzzle. The district attorney discussed how the use of several drugs linked to the deaths have also risen over the past few years throughout the United States, including heroin, meth and cocaine, data from 2017 shows. Fentanyl has risen sharply, reaching a 65 percent increase in Pennsylvania. The county saw its first fentanyl-related overdose death in 2016.

The county has taken several steps over the past year to combat this epidemic, according to Fogal. He highlighted the work of the task force and several other local organizations that are addressing the issues of treatment, recovery and prevention, as well assistance provided by law enforcement and communications work groups. 

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"To be clear, the Franklin County Overdose Task Force is really only as good as its members, our partner agencies and entities, and individuals who are doing the actual work," Fogal added. 

Several of the highlights and accomplishments from 2018 include: 

• Providing Operation Save-A-Life training, which teaches how to administer overdose-reversal drug nalaxone in the event of an overdose, to Franklin County jail offenders, and Franklin County professionals and employees. 
• Implementing Mobile Vivitrol in Chambersburg and Waynesboro to increase access to the drug, which dampens the urge to use addictive drugs such as heroin or alcohol. 
• Identifying the need for a Community Recovery Center for those in the area who need resources for recovery meetings, workshops and trainings, and to also be used as a sober, clean environment. 
• Collected and destroyed more than 1,200 pounds of prescription pills during the Prescription Pill Takeback Initiative. Pennsylvania State Police's Chambersburg station participated for the first time in 2018, joining Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Greencastle and Mercersburg police departments. 
• Successfully administering nalaxone to 37 people, which only resulted in three fatalities. 
• Implementing a recovery liason, employed by the Roxbury Treatment Center, who responds to local law enforcement agencies to be the first point of contact for those needing treatment. 
• A 5-year grant was awarded to Healthy Communities Partnership to address youth substance use and abuse concerns in the Chambersburg area. 

Criminal cases for drug delivery resulting in death charges continue to be somewhat of a challenge. Fogal said of the two cases for this that went to trial in last year, the defendants were found guilty of delivering drugs and of participating in a corrupt organization of dealing drugs, but not the drug delivery resulting in death charge. He added the task force is continuing to analyze whether these cases may be better investigated by police or litigated by prosecutors. 

When asked whether or not he thought this charge potentially curbs drug use and sales in the area, he district attorney said, "yeah, we hope that there is a deterrent effect, specifically, to that individual, and generally, as a deterrent to the community." 

President Judge Carol Van Horn also spoke about the Good Wolf Treatment Court, which saw its first graduation in November.

The program's goal is to "establish a true treatment track for those who wish to do the hard work after becoming involved in the criminal justice system, and accepting responsibility for criminal behavior,"  said. Since beginning in 2017, 49 participants have enrolled, but 20 have been discharged throughout the process. 

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"If you want to do the hard work, this program is there to help you," the judge continued.

Fogal ended the event by mentioning some challenges the community still faces, including transportation, treating those in need, making sure prevention efforts are effective and dealing with the controversial subject of medication-assisted treatment. 

"In essence, we work to build and maintain a more healthy community, with more healthy residents," Fogal said. 

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