PHILADELPHIA, PA — In a pivotal gathering that highlighted the intersection of law enforcement and public health, four candidates vying for the role of Pennsylvania Attorney General convened at the Public Health Management Corporation’s (PHMC) headquarters on April 4. The forum, moderated by WHYY’s Maiken Scott, was held during National Public Health Week and aimed to shed light on how the candidates plan to tackle some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing public health issues if elected.
The candidates—Keir Bradford-Gray, a partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP; Eric Settle, former senior counsel at AmeriHealth Caritas; Jared Solomon, Pennsylvania State Representative for the 202nd Legislative District; and Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County District Attorney—discussed their strategies for confronting the dual crises of substance use and gun violence, both of which are deeply entangled with broader social determinants of health such as poverty, education, and access to care.
Substance Use Crisis: Seeking Solutions Beyond Enforcement
One of the focal points of the forum was the ongoing substance use epidemic, which has relentlessly spread across Pennsylvania, claiming more lives annually through overdoses than shootings. In 2021 alone, 5,168 Pennsylvanians lost their lives to overdoses. This crisis has put an enormous strain on the state’s treatment and recovery system, exacerbating the challenges faced by providers and leading to the closure of essential programs.
The candidates discussed the need for a multifaceted approach to combat this epidemic, emphasizing not just law enforcement but also expanding access to treatment and recovery services. They recognized the importance of addressing the root causes of substance use and the critical role the Attorney General’s office plays in shaping policies that can help mitigate these issues.
Gun Violence: A Call for Comprehensive Strategies
Another urgent issue on the agenda was gun violence, which continues to devastate communities across Pennsylvania, with a disproportionate impact on people of color, those experiencing poverty, and individuals facing housing insecurity and limited access to healthcare. The forum highlighted alarming statistics, including the significant increase in juvenile homicide victims in Philadelphia and the more than 1,500 Pennsylvanians dying from gun violence each year.
The candidates outlined their visions for reducing gun violence, ranging from enforcing existing laws more effectively to advocating for new legislation aimed at curbing the proliferation of firearms. They stressed the need for collaborative efforts that go beyond punitive measures, incorporating preventive strategies and community engagement to address the underlying factors contributing to this crisis.
A Path Forward
As Pennsylvania prepares for its primary election on April 23, 2024, the PHMC forum offered a crucial platform for voters to understand where each Attorney General candidate stands on vital public health issues. Michael K. Pearson, President and CEO of PHMC, underscored the significance of the event, stating, “These crises are complex and closely connected with social determinants of health. Our goal is to help foster open dialogue and identify cross-section solutions to improve outcomes and quality of life.”
In a state grappling with profound public health challenges, the next Attorney General will play a key role in shaping Pennsylvania’s response to these crises. The forum made it clear that tackling these issues will require innovative thinking, robust partnerships, and a commitment to addressing the societal conditions that fuel them. As voters head to the polls, they now have a clearer understanding of each candidate’s approach to safeguarding the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.
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