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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Kenyatta Johnson
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Bill to create drug, alcohol
programs department
moves to governor for signature
HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, D-Phila., said today legislation he co-sponsored that would provide better access for people in need of drug and alcohol rehabilitation services has passed the House and Senate and will soon head to the governor for his signature.
The legislation (H.B. 1186) would create a new state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs that would be charged with developing a comprehensive statewide plan for preventing and combating drug and alcohol abuse and dependency problems.
Johnson said the new department would also work to ensure coordination among agencies, including local government agencies that deal with drug abuse and dependency in an effort to avoid duplication.
"The goal is for this department to develop and implement a model plan to be used across the Commonwealth to deal with drug and alcohol abuse," Johnson said.
"As a long-time advocate of treatment for the abuse of drugs and alcohol, I believe there needs to a better way for individuals and families to get the information they need to find help," he added. "This new department will help advance the issues of drug and alcohol rehabilitation."
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