MEDIA CONTACT: Stephany Dugan - ra-dapressoffice@pa.gov
Harrisburg, PA - The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) today announced almost $9 million in grant funding awarded to four Single County Authorities (SCAs) to establish or expand crisis stabilization services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (SUD).
“There has never been a more critical time to address the behavioral health needs of Pennsylvanians,” said Acting Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “This funding will help counties expand or establish services to provide a much-needed component to the behavioral health continuum of care; reduce the burden on first responders, law enforcement, and emergency departments; and provide timely care to individuals in need.”
The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the need for enhanced and coordinated behavioral health services in Pennsylvania. Combined with the recent sharp increase in stimulant use and drug adulterants in Pennsylvania, this has resulted in emergency departments and law enforcement becoming inundated with individuals in need of acute stabilization and continued treatment. Crisis stabilization services include assessment and stabilization of acute physical and psychiatric symptoms which may include medical management and behavioral interventions, induction on medication-assisted treatment, level of care assessments, short-term stays, and connections to supportive services.
Grants up to $3 million each will be awarded to the following four SCAs, serving residents throughout seven counties:
- Dauphin County Drug and Alcohol Services
- Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission
- Delaware County Department of Human Services
- Blair County Drug and Alcohol Program
The funding can be applied toward a range of activities including construction and building infrastructure, staffing, and programming. DDAP’s goal in offering this funding opportunity is to provide an additional mechanism for counties to invest in infrastructure, staffing, programming, and other necessary components to establish or expand crisis stabilization services.
Eligible grantees were chosen based on information presented in their applications demonstrating their capacity to recognize and manage individuals presenting with a wide range of SUD-related symptoms, mental health disorders, and developmental disabilities.
This funding opportunity is made possible from the Opioid Distributor Settlement to be used for opioid remediation programs and initiatives.
For more information on this Grant Initiative Funding Application and other funding opportunities, visit the Funding Opportunities page on the DDAP website.
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