Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

September 24, 2026

Recovery Month Shines a Light on Addiction and Prevention

Since 1989, each September is National Recovery Month, an opportunity to increase public awareness, celebrate individuals in recovery and honor professionals who work in the treatment field.

But if you and your family were touched by addiction, it’s more than a social media post and lapel ribbon. It’s a reminder of the nights spent waiting for a call, hoping that your loved one is safe, but knowing that the call could be something else. You wonder if you can be doing more, or if you’re doing too much. 

This month is also about recognizing that the fight against addiction isn’t abstract — it’s personal, urgent, and happening in homes and neighborhoods across the Commonwealth.

In Pennsylvania, we have encouraging developments. According to the latest information reported by the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), in 2024, there was a nearly 30% decrease in overdose deaths, from 4,719 in 2023 to 3,341. 

Unfortunately, however, treatment professionals warn that while we should be encouraged that fewer lives have been lost, the nature of the problem may simply be changing, not disappearing. This is because there was an increase in overdose deaths related exclusively to stimulants, from 566 to 598, an increase of almost 6%.

Diving deeper into the statistics, regarding overdoses throughout Pennsylvania, in 2018 more than 3.1% of overdoses involved the use of cocaine and 1.8% involved methamphetamine. In 2024, those numbers spike to 10.4% and 7%, respectively.

Clearly, trends in drug abuse and related health impacts are ever changing and being on the front lines of it all, law enforcement officers and emergency medical professionals are often the first to encounter emerging drug trends.

Police presence in schools, neighborhoods, and public forums reinforce education and awareness, making enforcement not just about arrests but about safeguarding communities, connecting individuals to treatment, and preventing future harm. Through initiatives like naloxone administration, real-time overdose reporting, and partnerships with community organizations, first responders have helped save lives while supporting long-term recovery pathways.

This topic is incomplete without also discussing what has become known as “gas station heroin.”  You have likely seen them at convenience stores, vape shops and online retailers, promising to help with anxiety, depression, pain or staying awake.

Tianeptine, an antidepressant, is an active ingredient in these products. It can produce feelings of euphoria that mimic the effects of heroin and other opioids, making it highly addictive. 

Emergency response statistics regarding tianeptine show a sharp overall rise in overdoses. Since Jan. 1, 2023, there were nearly 7,000 instances where emergency professionals responded to overdoses related to tianeptine products nationwide, a majority of which occurred in eastern states.

Statistics in Pennsylvania include 15 cases since 2023. Two of the cases, one in Bucks County and one in Fayette County, ended in fatalities. In nine of the cases, the patient required ventilation in an Intensive Care Unit.

Legislation I co-sponsored, House Bill 377, to prohibit the sale and manufacture of products with tianeptine, the active ingredient in these products, was passed by the House earlier this year.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.
 
Firearms Safety and Rights Seminar on Oct. 8 - Interested in learning more about the laws and regulations related to firearms? Mark your calendar and come to my Firearms Safety and Rights Seminar! It will take place Thursday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m., at the Delmont Volunteer Fire Department, 2360 PA Route 66, Delmont. Firearms Owners Against Crime’s Jim Stoker will lead the discussion and be ready to answer questions. Registration is suggested but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. To register, call the Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113 or email aadams@pahousegop.com.

Veterans, Mark Your Calendars for Oct. 31! - If you’re a veteran, be certain to mark your calendar for my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 31, 8:30-11 a.m. Open to all veterans in the 55th District and one guest each, the event includes retired Rear Adm. Charles Kubic as guest speaker. He served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years and established Kubic Engineer Group in 2012. Register by Oct. 26 by emailing aadams@pahousegop.com, or calling 724-472-4102 or 724-387-9113.

PFBC Offers Fishing, Boating Grants - The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is accepting applications for two grant programs key to building on the Commonwealth’s outdoors heritage.

The Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Education Grant offers school districts, universities and colleges, community and civic groups, sporting and conservation organizations, and local recreation departments up to $25,000 in funding for projects to promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating. 

The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, counties, municipalities and nonprofit organizations such as land trusts, conservancies and watershed groups. 

To access more information and the applications, visit www.pa.gov. The application deadline for both grant programs is Dec. 1. 



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com