Opioid addiction. At first glance, it might be viewed as an urban or suburban problem. It’s easy to imagine rural communities living a simpler life – without the pitfalls and distractions that can come from living in larger population centers. To a certain extent, it’s true. Our rural regions have been able to hold on to strong community feelings – where everyone knows one another and is there to lend a hand. A throwback to better, maybe even easier, times. Unfortunately, however, we haven’t been shielded from the dangers of opioids. In fact, it’s becoming an increasing problem in our rural areas.

The Grange is the oldest agricultural and rural advocacy organization of its kind in the United States. Representing approximately 5,500 members of all ages, the Pennsylvania Grange – which dates to 1873 – is dedicated to the betterment of the American way of life through community service, education, legislation, and fellowship.  Our mission is to support the local Granges to help members grow as individuals, unify their communities, and create opportunity through legislation and community service. That’s why the opioid epidemic is of such concern to our organization and members.  We have seen the damage and heartbreak addiction can leave in its path – not just for the user, but for relatives, friends, and co-workers as well.  

The opioid epidemic is impacting every corner of our country – it’s an issue for every state. That’s why the Secretary of Health and Human Services designated it a public health emergency in 2017. Unfortunately, the situation continues to worsen. As a result the public health emergency has been renewed numerous times – most recently on July 7, 2023.

Here in Pennsylvania, the statistics are startling. According to the state Attorney General’s office, 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from an overdose. A rise in the illicit use of synthetic opioids has only made the situation worse. Synthetic opioids are more potent, longer lasting and can lead to quicker overdoses.  Fentanyl, for example, is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. For every opioid-induced fatality, it has been estimated that there are an additional 6.4-8.4 nonfatal overdoses – which can lead to long-term physical and mental disabilities.  

Clearly more needs to be done.

As part of our approved legislative policies, the Pennsylvania Grange has committed to “supporting actions that confront the opioid and heroin crisis.” We also recently began a collaboration with “Rural Minds” which is an organization dedicated to providing information about mental health awareness and treatment in rural America.  Countless studies have shown the correlation between mental health issues and addiction.  Far too often, instead of getting the help they need, an individual turns to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.  Getting to the root of the problem is a critical part of stemming opioid abuse. 

To better address the opioid crisis, government, law enforcement, first responders and community organizers need to be on the same page. There is no room – or time – for confusion or bureaucratic red tape.  That is why the Pennsylvania Grange supports updating Pennsylvania’s health guidelines to allow for the utilization of all opioid reversal agents approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Narcan has revolutionized our collective ability to stop an overdose in its tracks. Unfortunately, synthetic opioids can sometimes outlast the effects of Narcan. 

The FDA is the seminal authority in our country regarding the safety of food and drugs for consumers.  Products must go through a rigorous testing and evaluation process before becoming available on the market.  There is no reason why state policy shouldn’t align with federal guidelines. As new overdose reversal agents come on the market, it is vital that they be an available resource in our fight against the opioid epidemic.

I urge all Pennsylvania residents to contact Governor Josh Shapiro’s office today and voice your support for this critical policy change. Thousands of Pennsylvania lives are at stake!

Matthew Espenshade is the president of the Pennsylvania State Grange.