PBS39 Partners with PA's Public Television Stations to Battle Opioid Addiction

Bethlehem, Pa. -- March 26, 2018 -- PBS39 joined forces with Pennsylvania's Public Television Stations to tackle the nationwide opioid epidemic. Battling Opioids: A Project of Pennsylvania Public Media is a collaborative, multimedia effort to help direct the people in our communities to the resources they need, and show the collective value of PA Public Media stations through our ability to make an impact regarding important issues.

The opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency by President Trump in October 2017, and a disaster emergency in Pennsylvania by Governor Wolf in January 2018. PBS39, Philadelphia's WHYY Public Media, Northeastern Pennsylvania's WVIA Public Media, WITF Public Media in Harrisburg, WPSUPublic Media in State College, WQED Public Media in Pittsburgh, and WQLNPublic Media in Northwestern Pennsylvania have formed a coalition to confront the opioid crisis in the communities they serve.

"PBS39 is proud to join forces with Pennsylvania's Public Media stations to address an issue that has been plaguing our communities, our friends, and our families," said Tim Fallon, PBS39 Chief Executive Officer. "It is our responsibility as community leaders to address these issues. The collective impact of this initiative will help move PBS39 one step closer to our vision: a community that is inspired, engaged, and vibrant."

On Thursday, March 29 at 9:00pm, PBS39 will premiere WQED's "Broken: Women -Families - Opioids," a documentary exposing how a woman's addiction can have more devastating implications than a man's. The addiction may begin with one woman, but consequences spread to vulnerable people around her. Some children are born addicted, while others face uncertain futures because of addicted mothers. Many children are placed in foster care, but an increasing number are being raised by grandparents and extended family - further disrupting lives. The documentary explores how opioid addiction among women is breaking the family bond and changing the fabric of society.