Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), in partnership with Penn State Harrisburg’s Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research, Shatterproof, and PGP, also known as The Public Good Projects, announced findings from the fourth year of the Life Unites Us campaign, an evidence-based approach to reducing the stigma of substance use disorder (SUD).
Life Unites Us is a people-forward, research-driven campaign that DDAP launched in September 2020. The campaign utilizes social media to spread stories of individuals in recovery, their family members and allies who support those with SUD. Additionally, the campaign gives local organizations an opportunity to learn through webinars, fosters community partnerships to promote recovery-focused support at the local level, and maintains an interactive data dashboard detailing the campaign’s progress.
“The hard truth is that stigma still stops people from reaching out and getting treatment, and that must change. Every move we make with Life Unites Us is guided by that principle,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “It is encouraging to see that as a result of Life Unites Us, attitudes are improving toward issues like medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), SUD treatment, and harm reduction. We’re making progress with each year of the campaign; that’s what we want to see. I look forward to our continued success in erasing stigmatizing views and attitudes and replacing them with positive views and acceptance.”
During its fourth year, the campaign served over nine million impressions to almost two million Pennsylvanians with information and messaging to encourage stigma reduction. Additional statistics include:
● More than 360 individuals in recovery, family members, and allies recorded or submitted testimonials that were shared on the campaign’s website and social media channels.
● Partnering with over 200 community-based organizations with stigma-reduction resources and messaging.
● Hosting six webinars across numerous topics related to stigma reduction with over 400 attendees.
“Over the past four years, the Life Unites Us Campaign has successfully reached millions of Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Weston Kensinger, Director, Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research. “Results from our statewide surveys show that the campaign is effectively reducing stigma and fostering a supportive environment for those seeking treatment and recovery. Thanks in part to the success of the Life Unites Us Campaign, Pennsylvania has become a national leader in reducing SUD stigma, creating an environment where recovery is not just possible but probable.”
A survey of Pennsylvanians conducted three and a half years into the campaign found several trends, including greater agreement that fentanyl test strips should be used as a harm reduction strategy in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvanians also indicated higher willingness to purchase naloxone.
Some additional findings from the survey include:
● Nearly 75% of respondents who viewed the campaign agreed that the opioid epidemic is a serious problem, compared to nearly 61% of respondents who did not view the campaign.
● 85% of respondents who viewed the campaign agreed that they would be willing to provide naloxone to friends or family members, compared to 78% who did not view the campaign.
● Nearly 70% of respondents who viewed the campaign believe that employers should not be allowed to deny employment to a person taking MOUD, compared to 58% who did not view the campaign.
“I think Pennsylvanians should be very proud of this program. Addiction is endemic in our country, and there are a lot of things driving it that are beyond people’s control. What we can control is how we show up. And Pennsylvanians are showing how to do that best. Something so stigmatized that could divide us is, in this case, bringing together neighbors and communities. There’s a lesson there for everybody.” said Dr. Joe Smyser, PhD, MSPH, Chief Executive Officer of PGP.
“Our team is deeply grateful to our state and local partners and proud of the community-driven initiatives we’ve collectively spearheaded,” said Ashley Narvaez, Shatterproof Program Manager. “Through community listening, we’ve gained insights that have shaped our approach, and the launch of a community grant program has empowered grassroots organizations to implement innovative projects that address stigma and support those impacted by substance use disorders. We are excited to continue amplifying the voices of lived experience and collaborating to create meaningful change.”
Life Unites Us continues to elevate additional community voices to ensure experiences and perspectives from all corners and communities in the state are represented, as well as continue to expand messaging on harm reduction topics such as fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
The statewide campaign is funded by federal grant funding and is part of DDAP’s ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma of SUD.
For more information about Life Unites Us and how to get involved, visit LifeUnitesUs.com, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephany Dugan - ra-dapressoffice@pa.gov
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