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End of opioid disaster declaration doesn't affect the county's drug and alcohol programs

Fake pill bottles with messages about Purdue Pharma are displayed during a protest outside the courthouse where the bankruptcy of the company is taking place in White Plains, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 9, 2021. Purdue Pharma's quest to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of OxyContin is entering its final phase with the grudging acceptance of most of those with claims against the company.

The end of Gov. Tom Wolf's opioid disaster declaration Wednesday will not affect the county's drug and alcohol programs, according to the program director.

Wolf renewed the declaration 15 times since he signed the first declaration in January 2018. The declaration allowed the state to loosen regulations and work outside of typical procedures to expedite aid and initiatives to help those suffering from opioid abuse and those who work to prevent and treat the disorder.

It allowed agencies more flexibility to coordinate and share resources to address the changing needs of communities throughout the state.

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