“Before PAStop, we did these things once in a while, but it was our first big campaign. Already having materials made it easier, then we just had to work with different contacts for aspects such as radio or television.”
“Cambria County ranks second in the state for opioid overdoes, so we needed to have support materials for people experiencing overdose in their lives. For PAStop, we reached out to all the libraries in Cambria County.”
“We all started with pills. I don’t know anyone who started using heroin directly. When I was younger, all of my friends were doing pills. Now four of us are in recovery and there’s another seven people who are dead.”
Sessions are organized by themes such as advocacy, evidence-based programs, research, risky behaviors, and current trends. Everyone from new prevention professionals to seasoned veterans will find this event valuable.
“In May of 2016, my dad overdosed on heroin. He was a helpful, caring person, a human being who lived a life that was whole. I know he would want me to tell his story, to get the information out there for other people.”
“As soon as we heard about PAStop, we thought it would be a good tool to use to increase awareness locally. We had been doing some advertising before, but nothing to the extent that the PAStop campaign allowed us to.”
“I got involved right away because we’re in the middle of an opioid epidemic and trying to get the message out, especially to the general public who may not realize how bad things are if they’re not directly affected.”
“We have a very successful medication takeback program in Bucks County, and at every takeback site, there are PAStop materials. We’ve really tried to combine the PA Stop message with services for proper drug disposal.”
As of October of 2017, we’ve welcomed VASTOP to our campaign family. The Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board has become our first official “out-of-PA” partners. Please spread the word — just 48 states to go!
“I went through my whole life saying “I’ll never use heroin, I’ll never use a needle.” It never crossed my mind and then — over time, with a lot of exposure to pain pills — I just got comfortable with the whole idea.”