Harrisburg, PA - Today, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced the agency is now accepting applications from entities to manage and oversee all aspects of Pennsylvania’s current Drug and Alcohol Call Center, also known as the Get Help Now hotline.
The successful applicant will be awarded nearly $7 million in grant funding to administer the operations of DDAP’s current Get Help Now hotline for a five-year period.
The hotline provides confidential referral services to Pennsylvanians and their families seeking drug and alcohol treatment, and who are experiencing difficulty as a result of a substance use disorder (SUD).
“Our Get Help Now hotline is a cornerstone of the services we provide, and this opportunity is a show of commitment to strengthening access to SUD treatment,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “It is an incredibly valuable resource that helps to connect Pennsylvanians with SUD treatment and support services in their community. It is a trusted, 100 percent confidential resource for those in need as well as their loved ones.”
The hotline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is a confidential helpline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to all Pennsylvanians regardless of insurance and is available in both English and Spanish. Individuals can also access the helpline through a chat option on the DDAP website as well as a texting option at 717-216-0905. It is staffed by trained professionals who can connect individuals directly to local SUD treatment and resources in their area.
During 2023, the Get Help Now hotline received more than 17,000 calls, with approximately 13,722 callers referred to treatment. Consistent with previous years, alcohol remained the most used substance reported by callers, followed closely by stimulants and opioids. Individuals seeking treatment were connected to resources based on their individual needs and geographical location.
Accepted applications must consist of a detailed plan for the management of day-to-day operations of the call center that includes:
· Developing a warm transfer system to assist callers who have insurance and transferring the call to the number on their insurance card to ensure real time, inclusive options for treatment;
· Developing a system to assist callers to enroll in Medicaid over the phone;
· Developing and implementing policies to navigate emergency situations where the caller may be at high risk of potential overdose; and
· Collaborating with county drug and alcohol offices, known as Single County Authorities, or another entity designated by DDAP to assist qualified individuals in obtaining transportation to and from treatment.
In addition, they must be able to provide callers with language translator options as well as a texting option.
For more GIFA information, visit the Funding Opportunities page on the DDAP website. Completed applications may be submitted via email to RA-DAGrantsMgmt@pa.gov by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 18.
This opportunity is made possible through DDAP’s Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS) federal funding.
Pennsylvanians currently looking for SUD treatment options or information are encouraged to call the Get Help Now hotline. In addition, Pennsylvanians can also use DDAP’s free, fully online platform, called Treatment Atlas, to confidentially find SUD treatment that meets their needs.
To learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s efforts in combating the overdose and opioid crises, visit ddap.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephany Dugan - 8145531285
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