Pennsylvania is making significant strides in ensuring that individuals in rural communities have access to vital substance use disorder (SUD) recovery services. Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), recently concluded Phase 2 of her statewide stakeholder engagement tour, with a particular focus on the Northern Tier counties, including Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter. This initiative underscores the Shapiro Administration’s dedication to bolstering Accessible Recovery Services across the entire state, regardless of geographic location.
Secretary Davis-Jones emphasized the importance of on-the-ground insights, stating, “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.” These dialogues with direct service providers are crucial for DDAP to refine its strategies and ensure equitable and high-quality drug and alcohol treatment and a comprehensive spectrum of support services are available to all Pennsylvanians, irrespective of their zip code.
A core tenet of the Shapiro Administration is health equity, which directly translates to prioritizing and expanding accessible recovery services in underserved rural areas. Recent DDAP initiatives clearly demonstrate this commitment:
Investing in Drop-In Centers for Harm Reduction: The announcement of $6.5 million in funding for drop-in center services statewide is a significant step. Notably, applicants were required to detail how they would engage with individuals in rural settings, ensuring these funds directly contribute to accessible recovery services in these areas. These centers act as crucial points of contact, offering harm reduction strategies and pathways to treatment for individuals who might otherwise face significant barriers to accessing help.
Student Loan Repayment Program to Address Workforce Shortages: An $18 million investment in student loan repayment for practitioners in SUD treatment, prevention, case management, and recovery support services is strategically targeted. Prioritizing applicants working in rural areas experiencing workforce shortages directly addresses a key challenge in providing accessible recovery services. By incentivizing professionals to work in these areas, Pennsylvania is building the human infrastructure necessary to deliver effective support.
Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program: Bringing Treatment to Remote Areas: DDAP’s approval of the state’s first mobile licensed narcotic treatment program is a groundbreaking initiative to enhance accessible recovery services. This mobile program is designed to deliver evidence-based treatment and services directly to individuals in rural central and northern Pennsylvania. By removing geographical barriers, this program is a lifeline for those struggling with SUD and co-occurring conditions in remote locations, effectively bringing life-saving treatment to their doorsteps.
During her tour, Secretary Davis-Jones visited The Guidance Center, an outpatient treatment facility, and participated in a unique recovery support goat yoga session at Maple Manor, a DDAP-licensed treatment facility. These visits provided firsthand experience with the existing landscape of accessible recovery services and highlighted the innovative approaches being utilized within the state. Pennsylvania currently boasts nearly 800 DDAP-licensed SUD treatment facilities, offering a range of inpatient, outpatient, and other treatment programs. For individuals seeking accessible recovery services, the PA Get Help Now helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)) and the online Treatment Atlas (treatmentatlas.org) provide confidential access to local SUD resources and treatment options.
The stakeholder engagement tour also included vital roundtable discussions, gathering input from local treatment providers, prevention specialists, individuals with lived experience, medical professionals, and other stakeholders in the SUD service delivery field. These discussions are essential for understanding the nuances of local challenges and tailoring accessible recovery services to meet specific community needs.
Angela Eckstrom, ADAS Executive Director, representing Cameron, Elk, and McKean counties, expressed gratitude for Secretary Davis-Jones’s visit, stating, “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. 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 builds upon the findings of Phase 1, which involved visits to 10 Pennsylvania counties and engagement with over 220 stakeholders. This continuous feedback loop informs DDAP’s regulatory reform efforts and ensures that policies and programs are effectively enhancing accessible recovery services across the state. Future tour stops will include Crawford, Lawrence, Westmoreland, Cambria, and other counties, demonstrating DDAP’s ongoing commitment to statewide engagement.
The Shapiro Administration’s comprehensive approach, including targeted funding, innovative mobile programs, and continuous stakeholder engagement, reflects a strong commitment to making accessible recovery services a reality for all Pennsylvanians, especially those in rural and underserved communities. Learn more about these efforts to combat the overdose crisis at pa.gov/opioids.
