HARRISBURG – The Overdose Mapping Act is headed to the governor’s desk after unanimous concurrence in the PA Senate. Senate Bill 1152, introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano, requires first responders – including law enforcement and EMS – to report overdoses into an electronic statewide system that will be developed and maintained in consultation with the Department of Health. Standardizing use of a statewide system will help local officials identify emerging trends, mobilize an emergency response ,and alert law enforcement and EMS to the existence of fentanyl-laced drugs in a particular region. In 2021, the CDC said over 100,000 people died nationwide from fentanyl and opioid overdoses, a 15% increase over the year before. PA ranks third nationwide for overdose fatalities.
SEN. DOUG MASTRIANO