Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday gave the fight against drug addiction a boost by raising contract caps for four agencies.

They are the Therapeutic Center At Fox Chase, raising the cap from $10,000 to $13,000; Co-County Wellness, raising the cap from $12,000 to $15,000; Gaudenzia, Inc. inpatient contract, raising the cap from $40,000 to $60,000; and Community Prevention Partnership of Berks County (doing business as) Schuylkill County Nurse Family Partnership, raising the cap from $257,522 to $267,522.The agencies are helping the county Drug & Alcohol Commission in its uphill battle against addiction.According to the independent Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, findings released on June 27 show 1,524 heroin overdose hospitalizations statewide in 2016, compared with 919 in 2014 - a 66 percent jump, In 2003, the number was only 378.Last year, about 3 percent of those hospitalized for heroin overdoses had at least one additional admission for heroin overdose that same year, the council said.In a related matter, Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge outreach coordinator Angie Jakubowski spoke to commissioners about the program, and ways it could help Schuylkill County residents who are struggling with addiction.They include detoxification and long-term treatment.Commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. suggested she speak with Daniel McGrory, administrator for the county mental health, developmental services and drug & alcohol departments.Commissioners appeared to favor the programs, saying such options are sorely needed in the county.