Philadelphia, PA – On Monday, the 19th, Senator Bob Casey held a press conference at Esperanza Health Center to discuss federal funding secured for the center’s Fifth Street expansion project, as well as the critical ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis affecting Philadelphia. The press conference focused on the collaboration between federal, state and local governments in addressing the opioid epidemic, particularly in the city’s hardest-hit neighborhoods.
Senator Casey emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach to tackling the opioid crisis, including the interception of fentanyl at U.S. borders, sanctions on Chinese manufacturers of precursor chemicals, and support for local treatment programs. He highlighted the new Fend-Off Fentanyl bill, which focuses on anti-money laundering measures to curb the financing of drug cartels.
«We need to make it more difficult for those involved in the fentanyl trade. Sanctions are already in place against bad actors in China and Mexico. At the same time, we need more advanced technology at the border to detect fentanyl in even the smallest quantities,» Senator Casey told Impacto.
In addition to law enforcement efforts, the senator underscored the necessity of investing in treatment programs. He cited Esperanza Health Center as a prime example of an organization working directly within the community to provide essential services, from medical treatment to outreach efforts.
Susan Post, CEO of Esperanza Health Center, echoed Casey’s sentiments, explaining the diverse needs of the populations served by the health center. She noted that while the Kensington area faces a significant opioid crisis and homelessness, the Fairhill neighborhood struggles with barriers to care for new immigrants, including language challenges and access to services.
Post highlighted the health center’s efforts to go beyond traditional clinical care by engaging the community in health education and preventative activities. «It’s about healthcare outside of the exam room,» she told Impacto. «How do we help people stay healthy and prevent illness? We host community activities that promote health and well-being, while also informing residents about available services.»
As Philadelphia sees an increase in open-air drug use in areas like Fairhill, Post emphasized the need for comprehensive addiction treatment and community support. «Addiction affects the whole person, and recovery is hard but possible,» she said, stressing the importance of offering hope and support to those struggling with substance abuse.
The press conference also marked the announcement of Esperanza Health Center’s upcoming $1.4 million expansion project at its North Fifth Street site. The expansion, which is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025, will increase patient capacity by 50-60% and include new facilities for medication-assisted treatment for opioid-use disorder.
Senator Casey’s visit to Esperanza Health Center underscored the importance of sustained federal investment in local initiatives that directly address the opioid crisis. He called on the community to defend these critical programs from proposed cuts, particularly to Medicaid, which funds many of the treatment programs relied upon by those affected by the epidemic.
«The opioid crisis requires long-term, comprehensive treatment, and cutting funding for these programs would have devastating consequences,» Senator Casey warned. «We need to ensure that resources are invested in the middle class and the most vulnerable, not just in the most powerful among us.»
