Rural towns in Pennsylvania and Vermont are struggling with a heroin crisis due to cheap prices and easy access to the drug, according to Reuters.
According to a report released Tuesday by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, heroin can be purchased on street corners and is less expensive than a six pack of beer, Reuters reported.
The report is comprised of evidence from hearings across the state which took place this past summer, according to Reuters.
In the report, Cambria County in central Pennsylvania is reported as having the highest overdose death rate outside of Philadelphia - 22.6 deaths per 100,000 people, Reuters reported.
Since 1990, overdose deaths have grown in numbers from one per 100,000 to 13 deaths per 100,000, according to Reuters.
"Heroin is cheaper and easier for young people to obtain than alcohol," said State Sen. Gene Yaw, the Republican chairman of the center, a joint legislative state agency, Reuters reported.
In Pennsylvania, Yaw said a small packet of heroin costs between $5 and $10 and delivers a high lasting four to five hours, according to Reuters.
State Rep. Richard Marabito said Pennsylvania has about 760,000 residents with addiction problems, but that only about 52,000 are receiving treatment, Reuters reported.
The report listed numerous legislative actions to fight the crisis, including making it easier to prosecute dealers whose customers die of overdoses, and a "Good Samaritan" law assuring that people who seek help for overdose victims will not face criminal charges, according to Reuters.
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin said his state is also experiencing a "full-blown heroin crisis," according to Reuters. New York has also experienced an increased in heroin overdoses.
