Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced an investment of $1.5 million in funding for two Pennsylvania organizations to implement community-based harm reduction services throughout Pennsylvania to help prevent overdoses.
Funding for these grants is provided from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement, which was the result of a multistate investigation of opioid manufacturers and distributors spearheaded by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro that led to multiple settlement agreements worth billions of dollars to expand or enhance recovery support services for individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD).
“This funding will allow organizations to expand or enhance their harm reduction services for individuals who use opioids and other drugs, particularly in underserved areas. It is a prime example of meeting people where they are,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Harm reduction emphasizes engaging directly with individuals who use opioids and other drugs to prevent overdoses, and breaking down barriers for access to community supports and services.”
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use, including having access to naloxone and drug checking strips. It also recognizes the realities that social inequity plays in drug use, access to services and supports, and community capacity to address drug use-related harm.
DDAP is awarding two grants of up to $750,000 each beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to the following community-based organizations that focus on harm reduction strategies, including overdose prevention:
- Drexel University: Philadelphia
- Prevention Point Philadelphia: Philadelphia
Through this funding, both organizations may provide outreach in locations with incidences of high overdoses and connections made to treatment, recovery, basic needs, and harm reduction services. Specific harm reduction activities may include:
- Providing harm reduction-informed education and counseling services that focus on harm and risk reduction;
- Referrals to treatment and recovery programs;
- Offering sexual health education information;
- Offering shelter programs specifically for individuals who use substances;
- Establishing peer-led support networks that foster connection, reduce isolation and offer lived-experience guidance;
- Providing free and confidential testing for blood-borne diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis;
- Conducting public campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma around drug use; and
- Providing job training and employment opportunities to individuals who use drugs.
Since day one, the Shapiro Administration has prioritized a focus on and investments in sustained recovery and expanding access to equitable prevention and treatment services by:
- Awarding more than $40 million to retain professionals working in Pennsylvania’s drug and alcohol field through DDAP’s student loan repayment program;
- Awarding nearly $20 million to expand drop-in center services for individuals with SUD across Pennsylvania;
- Awarding more than $6 million in grant funding for 19 organizations to establish or expand SUD services, community outreach and education to underrepresented communities of color;
- Awarding more than $8 million to expand or enhance recovery support services for individuals in recovery;
- Awarding $4 million in grant funding for the establishment of regional recovery hubs to enhance resources for individuals in recovery and promote recovery within communities across Pennsylvania;
- Offering nearly $7 million in grant funding to administer the operations of DDAP’s current Get Help Now hotline for a five-year period;
- Offering $2.5 million in grant funding for community-based organizations and public health programs to assist individuals in accessing DDAP-licensed recovery houses;
- Offering $2 million in funding to implement community-based prevention services throughout Pennsylvania to prevent OUD; and
- Offering $1.5 million in funding to implement community-based harm reduction services throughout Pennsylvania to help prevent overdoses.
Learn more about DDAP’s efforts in combating overdoses at ddap.pa.gov.
Visit Governor Shapiro's Accomplishments website to explore the Administration’s interactive midterm report and download a detailed PDF overview of accomplishments.
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