Democratic Governor Tom Wolf will issue a statewide disaster declaration regarding Pennsylvania's opioid epidemic Wednesday, according to a report from Penn Live.
The declaration will mark the first time in state history such a declaration is made for a public health crisis. Mr. Wolf will reportedly announce the declaration during a Wednesday press conference at 2:00 p.m. EST, an unnamed source close to the governor told Penn Live.
The declaration — similar to those made in other states, including Arizona, Florida and Maryland — will allow state entities to more immediately address the crisis and provide law enforcement, first responders and healthcare providers with additional resources.
In 2016, more than 4,600 Pennsylvanians died from drug overdoses, according to Penn Live.
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