The History of the Opioid Epidemic in York County and What It Means for the Future
Course | Registration opens 12/7/2026 8:00 AM EDT
This course explores the history of York County’s opioid epidemic, specifically from 2014 to 2025, when accidental drug deaths grew to be one of the top causes of death in our county, what various changes came about to combat the epidemic, and the multiple entities who have been working together to reverse the trend. It is presented through the experience of York’s former elected coroner who is also a former registered nurse.
Pam Gay
Pam Gay recently retired as York County’s elected coroner, after 12 years. During her term, her team and she faced a significant increase in accidental drug deaths, most due to heroin and fentanyl. Gay partnered with the District Attorney’s Office to form a taskforce, now known as the York Opioid Collaborative, which works with multiple local organizations to educate, raise awareness, and help prevent the deaths due to opioid use disorder.