In this Email Update:

• The Argall Report World War II Weekend
• Startling statistics on opioid overdoses
• Fighting blight in our communities
• County projects approved through Transportation Improvement Program
• Applications for Safe Harbor Letter now available
• Emergency Preparedness Education Seminar
• Staying alert on the street while playing Pokémon Go

The Argall Report: World War II Weekend

The latest edition of my monthly television program The Argall Report, highlights the 2016 World War II Weekend: A Gathering of Warbirds that was held at the Reading Regional Airport.

Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, this 26th anniversary event features World War II veterans, restored airplanes and reenactments. During this television program, viewers will get to hear from various exhibitors and re-enactors about the war.

For more information about the event or to watch the program, click here.

Startling statistics on opioid overdose

There has been a growing number of heroin and opioid use in Pennsylvania and throughout the country and it is clear that we must take immediate action to address this problem that is hurting our children, loved ones and communities at a rapid pace.

In order to paint a better picture of this problem, here are some statistics regarding the heroin and opioid epidemic both across the nation and in Pennsylvania:

• At the beginning of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the rate of fatalities from drug overdoses has increased by 137 percent since 2000, as well as a 200 percent increase in the rate of overdose fatalities due to opioids.
• The CDC also reported 8,257 heroin-related deaths in 2013, which was a significant increase from the 5,925 heroin-related fatalities that were reported in the previous year.
• In 2014, 47,055 deaths caused by drug overdoses occurred in the United States, which is a one-year increase of 6.5 percent.
• Trust for America’s Health reported that at the end of 2015, Pennsylvania was ranked #4 for highest number of drug overdose fatalities among youth, with a rate of 11.8 percent per 100,000 individuals ages 12-25.
• In 2014, the Pennsylvania State Coroners Association reported that 2,489 individuals died from drug-related causes, which is a 20 percent increase from 2013.
• From November 2014 – November 2015, municipal police departments in Pennsylvania reported 377 overdose reversals, according to a survey conducted by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

Based on the statistics and numerous stories we’ve heard that either hit close to home or ones we’ve only heard about in the news, it is critical that we look for ways to not only deter individuals from using heroin or other opioids, but also provide addicts with accessible treatment services so they can seek the help they need before it is too late. This is something that affects all of our communities – no one is immune to this growing health issue.

Fighting blight in our communities

Fighting blight in our communities is essential to not only our economic well-being, but the livelihood of our neighborhoods and the safety of residents who live there. One key component that is essential in eliminating blight is funding.

I recently discussed the need for investing in demolition-related programs while touring abandoned row homes in Mahanoy City. You can watch the full story here.

I will continue to combat this issue that has negatively impacted communities in our region, and I am hopeful that my legislation, Senate Bill 486, will reach the governor’s desk sometime in the near future. Read more about my efforts here.

County projects approved through Transportation Improvement Program

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Metropolitan Planning Organization recently approved several Schuylkill County projects for 2017 through the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The goal of TIP is to examine the region’s significant transportation projects and then establish an implementation program and review various sources of federal and non-federal funding to complete the projects.

Some of the projects in Schuylkill County include: highway resurfacing of parts of PA 309; replacement/rehabilitation of Pine Creek Bridge; railroad devices on Main St. in Schuylkill Haven Borough; and signal improvements along SR 61/209 Intersection in Pottsville.

Applications for Safe Harbor Letter now available

Applications are now available for the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program’s Safe Harbor Letter. The Safe Harbor Letter will permit parents, legal guardians, caregivers, and spouses to provide medical marijuana in Pennsylvania to minors under their care who are battling a series of medical conditions such as epilepsy, autism and cancer.

In order to apply, the above-mentioned individuals will need to provide the following documents prior to submitting an application: 1) a picture ID; 2) a completed background check; and 3) a Safe Harbor Letter Physician Form that is to be completely filled out by the minor’s Pennsylvania-licensed physician.

To apply online, or for more information click here.

More information about the Medical Marijuana Program can be viewed here.

Emergency Preparedness Education Seminar

The Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency is partnering with Community Volunteers in Action to host an Emergency Preparedness Education Seminar for residents.

The seminar is designed to inform, educate and prepare residents with tips on how to handle natural disasters such as floods, blizzards and fires. Some of the topics that will be covered include home fire prevention, how to recover and handle a situation post-disaster and what to do before and during the dire event.

The seminar will be held on Monday, August 29, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the Terence P. Reiley Community Center in Pottsville.

To reserve your seat at this seminar, please send an email to jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Staying alert on the street while playing Pokémon Go

With the rapid popularity of the Pokémon Go interactive game that allows players to walk around their communities to virtually capture Pokémon creatures on their mobile devices, the Pennsylvania State Police is urging individuals to take caution when playing the game while walking or driving around. Reports have indicated that some players have obtained injuries due to falling, tripping, walking into roads without first checking for oncoming traffic, and driving distracted while playing the game.

The State Police also warns players from falling victim to luring mechanisms used by some criminals who can use the “lure module” to target victims to a particular area.

More information about staying safe can be read here.

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