Franklin Park couple help opioid awareness bill become law

A Franklin Park couple who lost a daughter in 2020 to fentanyl poisoning are working with state legislators to get a bill passed that will help fight the opioid crisis and support those suffering from addiction.

An overwhelming bipartisan majority of the House passed House Bill 1783, which would help better address the opioid epidemic by bringing new resources. The bill would direct the state Department of Health to develop educational materials to raise public awareness about how to recognize and respond to an overdose, including where to find naloxone, according to Tracy Lawless, a government affairs counselor and lobbyist who works for KL Gates LLP.

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-McCandless, would also establish a substance use recovery grant program administered by the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

“We need to be far more proactive in bringing awareness of the opioid crisis into public spaces so the public can be empowered in their response when they see victims,” Venkat said.

Sherry Jo Matt and Tom Bott of Franklin Park created the Stop the Judgment Project after Siena Bott, their daughter, died of fentanyl poisoning at age 21 in their home.

Siena suffered from mental health issues and addiction as a young teenager, and she didn’t seek intensive inpatient drug rehabilitation due to fear of being judged by family and friends, according to Matt.

She and her husband visited Venkat’s office to share their story of their daughter. They had seen posters in Florida with specific information on how to respond to opioid overdoses. Since then, they’ve been working with Venkat in bringing something similar to Pennsylvania.

Stop the Judgment Project encourages an open dialogue on drug addiction and use, dedicated to changing the way people think about addiction and eliminating the stigma.

Matt said the House bill reflects what they feel is needed to better assist people suffering from addiction.

“I am beyond thrilled that this bill passed in the Pennsylvania House, and I hope the Senate will continue to usher this through in Harrisburg and make it a Pennsylvania law,” she said.

The bill provides for substance use overdose awareness, information on treatment and recovery support, and the development and distribution of educational materials, such as posters and pamphlets, about opioid overdose recognition and how to respond to an overdose.

The legislation would authorize the creation of a Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program to assist in the development, expansion or improvement of recovery support services delivery in Pennsylvania.

Spearheaded by state Reps. Jim Gregory, R- Huntingdon, and Joseph Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, the grant program would fund further services for aiding those with opioid addiction, according to a press release from Venkat’s office.

“The PSA posters are so important to inform and educate the public. Adding the 90-day mandatory rehabilitation and wrap-around services is so important to help those struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. This will save so many lives and help families that suffer along with their loved ones,” Matt said.

The legislation is now in the Senate, and advocates are working on getting a prime sponsor to get across the governor’s desk, according to Lawless.

“Right now, the General Assembly is trying to negotiate the final details of the state budget that is due by June 30. We plan to work through the summer to gain the needed and bipartisan support in the Senate so when that chamber reconvenes in the fall we can move forward,” Lawless said.

Matt added that no one seeks to become addicts or live that kind of lifestyle. She expressed gratitude to Venkat for support in raising awareness in these issues and helping get the bill passed.

Venkat, who is as an emergency room doctor, said he’s treated more than his share of individuals suffering from overdoses.

“But it pales in comparison to families who lost loved ones to the opioid crisis,” said Venkat. “We all are struggling with the opioid crisis. And I think there is no one in this chamber who hasn’t been touched by this in a very profound way.”