Bradford, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones continued Phase 2 of the agency’s statewide stakeholder engagement tour today in McKean County, highlighting the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to the full spectrum of local substance use disorder (SUD) supports across Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier counties, including Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter counties.
“Today was an opportunity to be in some of the most rural communities of Pennsylvania to learn more about their successes and challenges – what’s working and what’s not. We will use this information to help us form a long-term plan for bettering the lives of those struggling with substance use disorder,” said Secretary Davis-Jones. “It is through conversations with direct service providers that we continue the important work of making sure equitable and high-quality drug and alcohol treatment and a full continuum of supports are in place, no matter someone’s zip code.”
The Shapiro Administration is placing a heavy focus on health equity, including prioritizing expanding access to SUD services and supports in rural areas of the Commonwealth. For instance, DDAP recently announced the availability of:
· $6.5 million in funding to expand drop-in center services, including harm reduction, for individuals with SUD across Pennsylvania. As part of the qualifications, applicants were required to provide a detailed description of their planned engagement for individuals residing in rural settings.
· $18 million in funding through the agency’s student loan repayment program to assist practitioners within the SUD treatment, prevention, case management and recovery support services workforce. The program is prioritizing eligible applicants who work in rural areas of the Commonwealth that are experiencing SUD workforce shortages.
In addition, DDAP recently approved the state’s first mobile licensed narcotic treatment program. This mobile initiative will bring evidence-based treatment and services to individuals struggling with SUD and co-occurring conditions to help save lives in rural central and northern regions of the Commonwealth.
The Secretary’s stops included touring The Guidance Center, an outpatient treatment facility, as well as taking part in a recovery support goat yoga session at the DDAP-licensed treatment facility Maple Manor. Currently, there are nearly 800 DDAP-licensed SUD treatment facilities across the Commonwealth offering inpatient, outpatient and other treatment programs. Individuals seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources can be connected to local SUD resources by calling the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or by using Treatment Atlas, a free, online locator tool to help Pennsylvanians confidentially find SUD treatment that meets their needs.
The engagement tour was in addition to a roundtable discussion held to hear issues and concerns from local treatment providers, prevention specialists, individuals with lived experience, medical professionals and others in the drug and alcohol service delivery field.
Secretary Davis-Jones was joined by Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc. (ADAS), the single county authority for drug and alcohol services in Cameron, Elk, and McKean counties. ADAS strives to provide quality and compassionate substance use and co-occurring services, empowering individuals to develop responsible and healthy lifestyles through a variety of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services.
“We are pleased that Secretary Davis-Jones traveled to some of the most rural counties in Pennsylvania to learn about some of the unique challenges we face caring for the individuals and families who are impacted by substance use disorders,” said Angela Eckstrom, ADAS Executive Director. “Learning about DDAP’s strategic plan with our valued stakeholders is beneficial to local planning efforts. In addition, we are grateful for the opportunity to discuss local workforce issues, how regulatory reform may impact our counties, supporting our recovering communities, and expanding prevention services with DDAP.”
Phase 2 of DDAP’s engagement tour centers on gaining stakeholder insight to assist the agency’s work on regulatory reform and build on the feedback received and solutions instituted as a result of Phase 1.
The Phase 1 findings were derived as a direct result of the feedback received during roundtable discussions held in 2023. Throughout Phase 1, DDAP visited 10 Pennsylvania counties including Allegheny, Erie, Centre and Philadelphia County and met with more than 220 stakeholders. During Phase 1, DDAP also visited nearly 20 different service providers including inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, DDAP-licensed recovery houses, and wellness centers.
Throughout the remainder of the tour, DDAP will continue to seek input on the agency’s regulatory reform initiative as well as SUD issues related to:
· Data requirements and modernization needs
· Health equity work and advancement
· Treatment slot management
· Improving departmental communications.
Future tour stops will include Crawford, Lawrence, Westmoreland, Cambria, and other counties.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s efforts in combating the overdose crisis at pa.gov/opioids.
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephany Dugan - ra-dapressoffice@pa.gov
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