Pennsylvania marked Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, Aug. 31, with a proclamation signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro recognizing those who died from overdoses.
The proclamation follows a report from state and city officials championing a naloxone distribution program they say has worked to reduce overdose deaths.
Officials believe that part of the decline stems from a Philadelphia naloxone distribution program that provides free, 24/7 access to naloxone, an anti-overdose medication, at all 61 city fire stations without forms or ID.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced an expanded effort, the Naloxone in Black initiative, to broaden naloxone access in Philadelphia and reduce overdoses among Black Pennsylvanians.
Since August 2025, more than 41,000 doses of naloxone provided by the state have been distributed through Philadelphia fire stations. The medication is available to the public for free through newspaper-style boxes installed outside participating stations.
From this point forward, city leaders said they will continue to treat overdoses as a public safety issue. Officials said that annual overdose prevention training will become a standard requirement for all Office of Public Safety staff.
City leaders frame overdose prevention as part of public safety, expanding access beyond emergency response as the next step in community-centered protection.
People seeking substance use treatment or recovery services can call the Pennsylvania Get Help Now helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357). In addition, Treatment Atlas, a free online and mobile tool, permits Pennsylvanians to seek substance use disorder treatment options.