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Wolf Administration Kicks off National Recovery Month

09/04/2019

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Health (DOH) were joined by individuals in recovery, stakeholders, advocates, and community members in strawberry square to kick off statewide September celebrations of individuals in recovery.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes the month of September as National Recovery Month. This year’s theme is Join the Voices of Recovery: Together We are Stronger.

“Today’s event signifies hope for individuals battling addiction,” said DDAP Secretary Jennifer Smith. “This year’s national theme touches on a key component for individual’s seeking treatment – a strong community. All Pennsylvanians have an obligation to come together, as a community, to break stigma associated with this disease. In doing so, I encourage everyone to attend their local recovery month celebrations in support of our loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, and friends.”

“Substance use disorder is a disease, not a moral failing,” said DOH Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine. “The opioid crisis does not discriminate, and it can affect anyone regardless of their background or where they come from. We need to continue to work together to get individuals struggling with the disease of addiction into recovery and ensure more Pennsylvanians are equipped with the life-saving drug Naloxone. Together, we can save more lives.”

In addition to today’s kick off, the Wolf Administration is hosting Stop Overdoses in PA: Get Help Now events in celebration of recovery month. Residents will be able to go to a state health center or their local pharmacy to get the overdose reversal medication naloxone on both September 18 and 25, 2019. This medication reverses the effects and of opioid overdose and gives the patient a chance at recovery.

Individuals seeking recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.

For more information on statewide events happening during the month of September, visit the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance calendar here.

For more information on the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and treatment options around the commonwealth, visit www.ddap.pa.gov.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Rachel Kostelac, DDAP, 717-547-3314

                                 Nate Wardle, DOH – 717-787-1783

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