Latest news with #BrianMunroe
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
PA bills will expand access to opioid overdose reversal agents
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Two bills will soon be introduced to help provide more resources to first responders and law enforcement to fight opioid overdoses. Representatives Chris Pielli and Brian Munroe, in a memo to lawmakers, wrote that the current practice in Pennsylvania is 'outdated.' Noting that the Department of Health only allows the use of naloxone despite other options being available. The CDC reported that deaths involving opioids were estimated to be over 54,000. However, from December 2023 to December 2024, drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania dropped by 29.94%. Two states, Nevada and South Dakota, were the only ones with increases. Both saw increases of over 4%. Pennsylvania lawmakers advance bill expanding no-cost breast cancer diagnostics Naloxone is used by law enforcement and other first responders to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by attaching itself to opioid receptors and then reversing and blocking the effects of opioids. In the CDC's most recent report, they also listed synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, as being the cause of the largest number of overdose deaths. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the representatives. They argue that fentanyl is so strong that it can outlast the effects of naloxone and cause people to 're-overdose.' That's why they feel that first responders should have access to things like nalmefene, which is a longer-lasting opioid antagonist. Currently, nalmefene is only available by prescription. 'While naloxone is a crucial tool for first responders and law enforcement, it cannot be our only option,' The representatives said. The two bills that they will be introducing would do the following: Amend the Controlled Substance Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act to allow nalmefene as an approved opioid antagonist for use over the counter. Direct the Pennsylvania Department of Health to change their current standing order to include nalmefene as an approved opioid reversal agent for over the counter use. 'We cannot continue to discount the ability of other opioid antagonists to save lives. While our policy continues to stagnate, the illicit drug market evolves, adapts, and finds new ways to draw Pennsylvanians into the throes of addiction or, in an unfortunate number of cases, death,' the representatives added. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
01-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Lawmakers push DNA privacy after 23andMe bankruptcy
Pennsylvania lawmakers plan to introduce legislation aimed at protecting consumers' genetic data as 23andMe's bankruptcy sends shockwaves through the biotech world. Why it matters: The uncertainty at 23andMe — a household name in at-home DNA testing — has exposed how vulnerable DNA data can be during corporate turmoil. With more than 15 million users, cybersecurity experts fear personal DNA profiles could be sold off like any other asset. Driving the news: State Reps. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) and Brian Munroe (D-Bucks) plan to introduce the Genetic Materials Privacy and Compensation Act, which would give Pennsylvanians legal rights to control how their DNA is used — and ensure they get paid if it's sold. Similar legislation has stalled in past years. What they're saying:"Personal data like DNA should not be treated as a corporate asset that is sold to the highest bidder," Kinkead said. Zoom in: The bill would establish individual ownership over genetic material, require informed consent before DNA can be shared with or sold to a third party and guarantee compensation if a company profits from a person's data. Federal protections like HIPAA don't apply to services like 23andMe because users are considered customers, not patients. Zoom out: California and North Carolina attorneys general have already urged 23andMe consumers to delete their data, though the company insists that data will not be shared with public databases, insurance companies or law enforcement (without a subpoena, search warrant or court order).
