Philadelphia’s opioid crisis has gradually worsened every year since 2018, with the sixth largest city in the nation among those hit hardest by the issue. 

According to the city’s Department of Public Health, in 2019, the city recorded 1,150 deaths from drug overdoses, 1,214 in 2020 and 1,276 in 2021. 

A recent 2022 Pew poll revealed that more than 4 in 5 of these deaths involved fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that in recent years has made its way into heroin and other illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. 

In the Kensington neighborhood, the infamous open-air drug market that currently exists there has only exacerbated the overdose crisis. However, Kensington-based State Rep. Jose Giral has ideas — two in fact — to help combat the problem. 

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed a collection of bills, H.B. 817 and H.B. 818, both introduced by Giral, that represent his efforts to educate and support pharmacies to help reduce prescription drug abuse in their neighborhoods and in Giral’s District 180. 

House Bill 817 would direct the State Board of Pharmacy to educate pharmacies about drug takeback programs which are the best way to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and nonprescription medicines.

Pharmacies can implement takeback programs now but they’re currently unable as they lack the necessary guidance and logistics plan.

Giral’s first bill amends the act of Sept. 27, 1961, entitled "An act relating to the regulation of the practice of pharmacy, including the sales, use and distribution of drugs and devices at retail; and amending, revising, consolidating and repealing certain laws relating thereto," further providing for State Board of Pharmacy.

The first-year state rep, who replaced his mentor and longtime state official Angel Cruz after over 22 years of service, emphasized the importance of the educational aspect, as he believes educating pharmacies on takeback programs is crucial to preventing the misuse of prescription drugs. 

“As some of the most trusted and most widely accessible health resources – and dispensers of prescription medications — our pharmacies are often on the front lines of the Commonwealth’s opioid crisis,” Giral said about the bill. 

“By educating pharmacies on the option to aid Pennsylvanians with safely and responsibly disposing of their unwanted or expired medications, we can further prevent the misuse and diversion of prescription drugs,” he added. 

House Bill 818 would provide support for drug takeback locations at pharmacies in the form of a new program, The Pharmaceutical Collection Sites Educational Program, that’ll be developed within the PA Department of State to assist pharmacy board efforts. 

The program is meant to assist pharmacies meet the cost as well as complete the necessary steps of setting up a takeback site in their respective communities. 

Among the other state officials to add their name to the second bill include Reps. Maureen E. Madden, Tarah Probst, Mike Schlossberg, Carol Hill-Evans, Ben Sanchez, David M. Delloso, Kristine C. Howard, Danilo Burgos, Melissa Cerrato, Rick Krajewski, Justin Fleming, Manny Guzman, Joe Webster, and Paul Takac. 

Both bills must pass the PA Senate and will then take effect in 60 days. 

Prior to taking over for Cruz, Giral served as the Democratic committeeman for the 33rd ward for over eight years and as a commissioner for former Gov. Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, among other local and statewide organizations. 

“I am proud to say today that we are moving legislation forward to address this issue,” Giral said. “We are now a step closer to take control of this serious public problem in our state. I am thankful to my colleagues and all of the advocates for their support.

“Together we can ensure every resident has access to a collection site and reduce the number of opioids in our communities.”