The state Department of Health is teaming up with Pitt’s Program Evaluation and Research Unit to provide education and training to first responders across the state on substance use disorder, the use of naloxone, and stigma and implicit bias of those fighting the opioid epidemic.
Pitt will receive nearly $2.8 million from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.
In addition, Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia will receive $1.2 million from the health department through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant
Training will be provided at no cost to first responders, including local law enforcement, emergency medical services providers, firefighters and related public safety professionals, as well as prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, judges, probation and parole officers and correctional officers.
The department plans to convene an Advisory Council in the fall to oversee and coordinate these trainings. Agencies interested in receiving this education can email ra-dhfr@pa.gov.