A recent proposal by Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, and Sen. David Argall, R-Mahanoy City, isn’t pretty, but it is necessary.

Mastriano and Argall have proposed Senate Bill 1152, which would require drug overdose incidents are reported by first responders into the ODMAP system, the state’s Overdose Information Network or any other platform approved by the Pennsylvania State Police within 24 hours. Currently, the Pennsylvania State Police and some state agencies already do so on a voluntary basis, but the information is incomplete and not always timely.

Having accurate information about opioid overdoses is important for policy makers at all levels of the state. Having better information about overdoses and the response levels of first responders should play into state funding decisions regarding treatmnet locations, state resources to help both police and mental health practitioners, and hospitals.

We know the drug problem isn’t going anywhere. And we know there are increasing numbers of people who need help. But it’s difficult to know how to allocate limited resources without accurate information.

We have no doubt local officials know the situation in Warren County quite well. But unless their knowledge makes its way to decision makers in Harrisburg, then Warren County will be on an island. And when it comes to opioids, small communities like ours need all the help they can get.