DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. – Over the past three months, police officers in Dauphin County reported 14 “reversals” or “saves” of individuals who had overdosed on heroin or other opioids by administering the drug, Naloxone.
District Attorney Ed Marsico praised the work of the police officers, “our officers have embraced the Naloxone program and their quick reactions have saved 14 people since April 1st.”
In conjunction with the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and funded by Capital Blue Cross, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office provides Naloxone to participating police departments free of charge.
Marsico noted, “this is an excellent partnership that allows our police to do what they do best–keep us safe.”
Harrisburg Police Department recorded 7 saves; Swatara Police Department recorded 5, while Derry and Lower Paxton Police Departments each recorded one.
“Unfortunately, these numbers remind us that the heroin epidemic continues in our county, and we all must do more to fight heroin and opioid abuse,” Marsico said.
Marsico also noted that overdoses were recently observed by police on the street, in a bar, and at a fast food restaurant. Additionally, two automobile crashes were caused by overdoses, with one of those resulting in a fatality. That crash remains under investigation by the Harrisburg Police and the DA’s Office.
“We remain committed to helping heroin abusers get effective treatment, but we also will do our best to put heroin dealers behind bars for a long time. They are peddling death and destruction,” Marsico said.
