A local treatment center was given a special designation to help combat the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania.
The Esper Treatment Center, 25 W. 18th St., was one of 20 treatment centers statewide to be chosen as a Center of Excellence.
That designation by Gov. Tom Wolf will make it a central location for treatment in Erie County.
The Department of Human Services anticipates a start date of Oct. 1 for all centers.