Philadelphia, PA — In recognition of National Recovery Month, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation will join Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf in the State Capitol Rotunda to discuss the opioid crisis and to showcase Someone You Know, an Independence Blue Cross Foundation public health awareness campaign to reduce the stigma of opioid addiction.
The event will feature the Someone You Know mobile exhibit. In the exhibit, 20 southeastern Pennsylvania residents share their personal experiences through digital stories about recovery, the loss of a loved one to an opioid overdose, or supporting someone in recovery.
Today is also one of two days this month that the Commonwealth will make free Naloxone available at 95 locations across Pennsylvania. Naloxone is used to reverse the toxic effects of an overdose caused by opioids.
“Addiction is a disease that can be prevented and treated. However, the stigma around addiction can often keep people from asking for and getting help,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, CEO of Independence Blue Cross. “By amplifying stories of recovery, the Someone You Know campaign helps people know they are not alone in their struggle and that help is available.”
“Every Pennsylvanian knows someone who is affected by opioid use disorder,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “It has permeated Pennsylvania – every corner, every community. And we have reached a point where there can no longer be any shame in admitting opioids have affected you. We can only help people if we know they are struggling, so, I am asking for Pennsylvanians to have open conversations with their loved ones about opioids.”
In honor of the event and the campaign, “Someone You Know Day” resolutions were introduced in both the Pennsylvania House and Senate.
Someone You Know is part of the Foundation’s Supporting Treatment and Overdose Prevention (STOP) initiative. Through STOP, the Foundation has awarded more than $2 million dollars to regional partners in Southeastern Pennsylvania to fight the opioid epidemic.
The campaign also features a podcast that offers different perspectives on opioid use disorder and addressing stigma in the workplace, community, and college campuses. The podcast, titled Someone You Know: Facing the Opioid Crisis Together, has been heard in more than 40 states and 20 countries to date. Listen and subscribe anywhere podcasts are found.
About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation:
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is a charitable, private foundation, whose mission is leading solutions for a healthier community. The Foundation targets the following areas of impact:
- Strengthening the Blue Safety Net: Improving access to quality, affordable health care in medically underserved areas.
- Bolstering the Health Care Workforce: Advancing the nursing workforce through education and professional development.
- Addressing Health Priorities: Finding local solutions to national health issues through research and cross-sector partnerships. Currently focusing on the opioid epidemic through the Supporting Treatment and Overdose Prevention (STOP) initiative.
- Community Innovation: Supporting pilot projects that pursue new approaches to existing health-focused challenges in the community.