Pittsburgh launches needle exchange

Overdose deaths in Allegheny County rose to 57.7 per 100,000 people in 2020 (from 47.2).

A new program is intended to engage the most marginalized people to discuss drug treatment, disease testing, and mental health services while offering needle exchanges.

Such programs contribute to the reduction of HIV and hepatitis C incidences. 

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States and municipalities work to protect affordable housing 

Community land trusts are important tools for the protection of affordable housing.

Momentum is increasing across the country to make these land trusts more effective, with easier access to purchase properties, funding opportunities, and property tax exemptions.

Philadelphia has proposed a bill that would give community land trusts priority in applications for surplus public land.

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PA’s medical debt policies rank poorly

On a national scale, Pennsylvania ranks 20 of 50 in terms of medical debt policies.

A recent study identified policies to reduce accrual of medical debts, increase ability to resolve debt out of court, improve accessibility and equity for people navigating medical debt without lawyers, and minimize the negative consequences for debtors after court.

Maryland, California, and Maine are the top three states. 

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Transit agency mergers improve regional mobility

Sacramento transit agencies have merged due to financial issues, but leadership also recognizes the importance of better systems to meet workforce demands as well as the needs of those who are mobility impaired.

Furthermore, they anticipate that a seamless system will help improve air quality as a result of increased ridership and decreased use of personal vehicles.

Agencies realize that more funding opportunities become available for larger, regional systems. 

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Sister cities in WV benefit from partnership

Two West Virginia cities, with economies negatively impacted by the decline of coal mining, have entered a collaborative agreement.

Knowing that their residents’ cross city lines to shop and work, leadership decided to form an intergovernmental entity to address policing, grants, tourism promotion, and other quality-of-life issues.

They recognized that they share the same assets and liabilities so they should work together!  

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Housing-centered collaboration proves successful

An agency in Chicago is known for its provision of safe housing support, but now the organization is able to offer more than shelter.

Each program participant is connected to a therapist, wraparound services, and job training.

This project is a partnership between IMAN, a nonprofit founded in 1997; Chicago Beyond, an impact investor; and Chicago CRED, an organization founded by former Education Secretary and Chicago Public Schools. 

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