With the growing drug problem in our region, state officials are working to save more lives.

According to Governor Wolf, the 20 places chosen to be “Centers of Excellence” across Pennsylvania will help fight the crisis.

Wolf visited one of those centers in Johnstown Thursday.

He said there were 116 “Center of Excellence” applicants, but only 20 were chosen.  

The $20.4 initiative will help combat Pennsylvania’s heroin crisis with a more comprehensive approach, that ensures patients stay in treatment, receive follow up care, and are supported by their communities.

“We want people to get the cure that is right for them, whatever it is, however long it takes, because that is what is really going to help us,” Wolf said.

The initiative will also create more jobs in the region.

“With the expansion of services, we will be able to hire additional staff members to provide counseling services, potential nursing services, and we’re actually looking at adding other types of positions in the future,” said Alliance Medical Services Executive Director Pam Gehlmann.

Governor Wold told WTAJ that the centers will help to treat 4,500 more people that are not currently able to access treatment.