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Shapiro Administration Invests $1.5 Million in Community-Based Overdose Prevention, Harm Reduction Efforts to Help Pennsylvanians Struggling with Addiction

Funding secured in multistate opioid settlements by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro continues to help Pennsylvania expand harm reduction supports and services.

11/08/2024

Harrisburg, PA - Today, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced the availability of $1.5 million in funding 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 settlement agreements worth billions of dollars.

“DDAP is accepting applications from community-based organizations that focus on harm reduction. This funding will allow organizations to expand or enhance their harm reduction services for individuals who use opioids and other drugs – we’re meeting them 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. With this $1.5 million investment, DDAP will award two grants of up to $750,000 each to eligible community-based organizations.”

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.

Applicants must be community-based organizations that focus on harm reduction strategies and services, including but not limited to overdose prevention and overdose prevention centers.

Eligible services include providing outreach in locations with incidences of high overdoses and linkages to treatment, recovery, basic needs, and harm reduction services. Additional eligible harm reduction activities 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.

DDAP is placing a focus on health equity as a part of this grant opportunity. Applicants must describe their current engagement with diverse populations including LGBTQ individuals and young and older adults, their plan to increase services to diverse populations and outline the training plan to ensure staff are trained to serve diverse populations.

All applications must be submitted electronically by 12:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2024. Applications will be competitively reviewed and scored based upon the applicant’s adherence to the funding announcement guidelines, and a timely submission to DDAP.

Questions regarding the grants and the application process should be forwarded to RA-DAGrantsMgmt@pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephany Dugan - ra-dapressoffice@pa.gov

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