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Shapiro Administration Hosts Annual Symposium Addressing Emerging Drug Trends in the Commonwealth

Governor Shapiro, multi-agency group gathers with federal partners and local stakeholders to discuss Pennsylvania’s multidisciplinary approach to substance use disorder, including enforcement, prevention, and treatment.

11/19/2024

Camp Hill, PA - Governor Josh Shapiro today joined the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to host Pennsylvania’s Emerging Drug Trends Symposium, an annual event centered on the latest information regarding the current drug supply, state and federal initiatives to address the substance use disorder (SUD) landscape, how to best identify gaps and disparities in SUD services, and more.  

Since 2019, the symposium has brought together SUD treatment providers, health care providers, emergency personnel, members of law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, people with lived experience, and other stakeholders.

“It is events like this symposium that serve as a reminder that we are all in this together—fellow agencies in the Shapiro Administration, the federal government, and those providing direct supports and care,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “We want to make sure that as drug use patterns change, treatment providers and other allied professionals have the knowledge they need to adapt prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction services to meet the needs of people who use drugs where they are.”

"My Administration is taking a multidisciplinary approach to the overdose and opioid crisis – one that embraces support from treatment to recovery services across all our agencies and levels of government,” said Governor Shapiro. “As Attorney General and now as Governor, I have been committed to helping Pennsylvanians access the treatment they need – because we all know that addiction is a disease, not a crime, and we cannot simply arrest our way out of this crisis. Through DDAP and under Secretary Davis-Jones’ leadership, we are investing in treatment and support services, driving millions of dollars out to help Pennsylvanians who need it most.”

This year’s event featured sessions on trends in substance use treatment settings, including residential and community-based care, marijuana use trends among youth, the impact of vaping on the physical and mental health of youth and adults, peer supports and the criminal justice system, and treatment court research findings.

“In this ever-changing drug landscape, harm reduction is a core public health strategy,” said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. “The unpredictability and toxicity of today’s illicit drug supply means we must prioritize both overdose prevention and the broader health and well-being of people who use drugs. Harm reduction efforts meet people where they are, acknowledge their real-world challenges, and offer life-saving interventions. We are fully committed to continuing to support innovative and evidence-based efforts.”

“Too many of our fellow Pennsylvanians are impacted by substance use disorders that affect their lives, and the lives of their families, friends, and communities. In order to get people the care they need to achieve stability in recovery, we must stay attuned to what people are experiencing every day,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “DHS is proud to work with our fellow Commonwealth agencies like DDAP, with community organizations, treatment providers, and so many others, to keep up on emerging trends, to break down silos and barriers that keep people from potentially life-saving treatment, and to make sure that all Pennsylvanians are healthy, safe, and thriving.”

In addition, officials from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) – a component of the Executive Office of the President – outlined strategies and initiatives at the national level to address drug threats and trends and provided insight into the latest service delivery efforts.

“SAMHSA is committed to providing the resources to states, communities, and organizations that help people with mental health and substance use conditions receive care, achieve wellbeing and thrive,” said Tom Coderre, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, SAMSHA. “This remains an all-hands-on-deck moment and I appreciate the opportunity to join DDAP and learn what more we can do together to save lives and get people the help they need to find recovery in Pennsylvania and beyond.”

Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, DDAP is placing continued focus on improving and expanding access to high-quality SUD treatment and recovery programs. The aim is to bridge divides in services by prioritizing health equity, while implementing evidenced-based and data-driven prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery strategies as part of a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the overdose crisis.

The Shapiro Administration is placing a focus on empowering sustained recovery and expanding access to equitable treatment services by:

·       Investing more than $40 million to retain professionals working in Pennsylvania’s drug and alcohol field through a student loan repayment program;

·       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;

·       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;

·       Offering a free, virtual training series to help employers create and maintain recovery-friendly workplaces;

·       Licensing nearly 360 recovery houses across the Commonwealth. The purpose of the licensure program is to help empower sustained recovery for individuals with SUD by ensuring a network of safe drug and alcohol recovery houses across the Commonwealth. Individuals can find a listing of licensed recovery houses on DDAP’s website; and

·       Approving the license for the state’s first mobile licensed narcotic treatment program.

Individuals seeking substance use disorder 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.

More information on the Shapiro Administration’s efforts can be found on the DDAP website


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

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