CHAMBERSBURG– The Franklin County Commissioners are asking for public feedback on how to best utilize funding to fight the ongoing opioid epidemic and have released an online survey to gather input.
Thanks to two nationwide settlements, Franklin County could receive as much as $6.5 million over the next two decades to stem future opioid use across the county. The commissioners, with recommendations from the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board and community stakeholders, have identified a list of strategies, based on appropriate use guidelines outlined in a document known as Exhibit E.
Franklin County residents can provide feedback on the proposed strategies through an online survey, https://bit.ly/3Ww9epz, through June 15.
“Money from these settlements will provide the county with additional resources to have a meaningful impact on the opioid crisis moving forward,” said Franklin County Commissioner Dave Keller. “Collecting public feedback is a critical step in developing strategies and implementing preventive measures to curb opioid and substance abuse. This survey ensures our residents and community members have an opportunity to comment on our plans and gives us the opportunity to take that feedback into consideration before adopting a final plan of action.”
Since the opioid crisis began, the Franklin County Commissioners have implemented or supported a variety of strategies in partnership with municipalities, non-profits, counseling and treatment providers, schools, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and state and federal agencies. Efforts have included Operation Save A Life trainings, Naloxone (Narcan) availability, Substance Use/Co-occurring Disorder Treatment, Good Wolf Treatment Court, a medication lock box campaign, medication disposal programs, certified recovery housing, evidence-based prevention programs, Franklin County Overdose Task Force, mobile Vivitrol services, Get Back Up, stigma reduction, recovery liaison, Hospital Warm Hand-Off, certified recovery specialist support, town halls/educational workshops, and Jail To Community Treatment (JTCT).
For more information on services available in Franklin County, contact Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol at 717-263-1256 or ffda@franklincountypa.gov. Information is also available by visiting the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol page at www.franklincountypa.gov. Individuals seeking immediate help for themselves or for someone they know should call PA Get Help Now at 800-662-4357.
