Wolf expands overdose antidote plan to all Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania’s physician general has signed a standing order to make a prescription drug that can prevent overdose fatalities available to all Pennsylvanians.

Gov. Tom Wolf made the announcement Wednesday, saying a rise in heroin addiction and prescription drug abuse is a public health crisis in Pennsylvania. He had said in April that he would make naloxone broadly available.

Wolf’s administration says heroin and opioid overdose are now the leading cause of accidental death in Pennsylvania, more than vehicle accidents.

A 2014 law expanded access to naloxone from just paramedics and doctors to police and friends and relatives of addicts.

Wolf also is seeking legislative approval of an extra $7.5 million to provide more naloxone to police and expand treatment options for addicts.