The Cambria County Drug Coalition held a meeting to determine which areas need the most help after a finding there was a 60% increase in drug overdoses from 2015 compared to 2016.
The coalition’s main goals include decreasing the supply of illegal drugs, improving treatment and educating schools and businesses about drug prevention.
Kelly Callihan, Cambria County District Attorney, said bringing together law enforcement and healthcare professionals will help make a difference.
“I think that’s one of our early successes is everyone is coming together and educating each other,” Callihan said. “So I know what happens when a person overdoses: where they go, how they’re treated and what happens. And those people know if there are criminal charges and someone is arrested, how our system proceeds.”
The coalition also wants to secure more funding and create subcommittees to focus on those goals.
To report illegal drug activity, contact your local police department or call the Push out the Pusher hotline:
Push out the Pusher: 1-800-548-7500
To find resources about drug addiction and treatment centers call 2-1-1 or 1-800-662-4357 (HELP).
You can also find resources online by visiting these websites: