Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf renewed his 90-day opioid disaster declaration, citing progress in reducing overdose deaths in parts of the state while noting some residents are still battling addiction in "epidemic" proportions."

The estimated decrease from 2017 to 2018 is based on the death certificate data that Pennsylvania collects.

“We have made great progress in reducing the number of opioids prescribed, increasing the number of people who are eligible for treatment and saving lives with the use of naloxone," said Gov. Wolf. "But we cannot stop until we end this epidemic. My administration is committed to fighting until that is the case."

As part of the initial opioid disaster declaration, an Opioid Operational Command Center consisting of 16 state agencies and commissions, as well as the Attorney General's Office, was formed. It helps coordinate state agencies and local resources to ensure that communities have information and can connect to services.

“We need to continue getting patients into treatment, expanding treatment opportunities and saving lives," said Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health. "This crisis has built over decades, and while it will take time to end this epidemic, there is hope."

Here's a look at numbers since Gov. Wolf signed the opioid disaster declaration, as provided by his administration:

  • Emergency medical service providers have administered 18,560 doses of naloxone, leaving behind 657 doses;
  • Hospitals and birthing centers have reported 2,359 cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome in newborns;
  • More than 1,500 birth certificate fees have been waived for patients to get into treatment;
  • More than 19,300 residents have been admitted to emergency rooms because of a suspected opioid or heroin overdose; and
  • The Get Help Now hotline has received more than 19,500 calls looking for information or to connect someone with a local treatment provider.
  • More than 258 tons of drugs were collected and destroyed by law enforcement from the more than 800 drug take-back boxes across the commonwealth.