Department-of-health
Shapiro admin temporarily lists Xylazine as a controlled substance | Five for the Weekend
In 2017, xylazine contributed to 90 overdose deaths, but in 2021, it contributed to 575 overdose deaths across 30 counties – an increase of over 600% in just 5 years, according to the department.
New Wolf admin order expands access to ‘most cost-effective form’ of naloxone
The expanded order gives Pennsylvanians affected by substance use disorder a chance to receive treatment, Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement.
State health officials urge unvaccinated Pennsylvanians to get polio vaccine | Five for the Weekend
Symptoms of the polio virus are flu-like and include sore throat, fever, nausea and stomach pain. A portion of those who contract the virus develop more serious symptoms such as paralysis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State officials reaffirm access to reproductive health services post-Roe | Five for the Weekend
“With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we know that many people are confused and worried about getting the reproductive health care they need and deserve to keep themselves and their families healthy,” Department of Human Services acting Secretary Meg Snead said.
Wolf admin. encourages parents, guardians to update immunizations for children ahead of school year
A COVID-19 vaccine is not required for children to attend school, but state officials said Monday that the Wolf administration encourages the vaccine for children five years of age and older.
New advisory group aims to improve pregnancy, postpartum care in Pa. | Five for the Weekend
Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the creation of an advisory group to improve pregnancy and postpartum care support across the commonwealth.
Local health officials, orgs educate communities on Monkeypox emergency | Friday Morning Coffee
Good Friday morning, all. ICYMI: The Biden administration declared a public health emergency for Monkeypox on Thursday afternoon as the U.S. recorded more than 6,600 cases nationwide. The declaration comes nearly two weeks after the World Health Organization declared the virus an “emergency of international concern.” Federal officials report that a formal emergency declaration will allow the administration to expand testing and vaccine access. Department of Health and Human Services […]
Wolf admin. adds intramuscular injection to expanded naloxone order
DDAP reports that between November 2017 and March 31, 2022, there have been 22,085 overdose reversals using state-purchased Narcan.
CDC updates COVID-19 vaccine booster guidance as case counts rise
In a statement issued last week, the CDC expanded second booster eligibility for individuals 12 or older who are immunocompromised and those ages 50 and older. The agency cited a nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases as the reason for the update to the eligibility guidelines.
Top health official to step down this week, Wolf administration announces
Acting Department of Health Secretary Keara Klinepeter will resign at the end of the week.
Pa. Physician General discusses Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Crawford County
The overall NAS incidence rate in Pennsylvania is 11.9 cases per 1,000 live births, according to the Department of Health’s 2021 Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome report.
DOH cancer screening program offers free services to low, moderate-income patients
Known as The Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP), the screening program offers free breast and cervical cancer detection services through the Pennsylvania Department of Health and is funded using grant money from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.