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Pennsylvania allocates $6.5 million to support substance abuse drop-in centers
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To combat substance abuse in Pennsylvania, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced a potentially life-saving initiative, offering $6.5 million in grants to support individuals grappling with substance use disorders.
The grants aim to expand drop-in center services, which provide a safe, judgment-free place for people to learn about and connect with recovery and treatment options.
As the opioid crisis continues to grip the state, drop-in centers aim to offer more than just a place to turn for help. They are a lifeline, providing harm reduction, recovery support, and when an individual is ready, a treatment pathway, said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones.
“This funding is designed to help organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and a connection to (substance use disorder) support programs,” said Davis-Jones. “Drop-in centers provide a doorway for an individual’s recovery journey – we’re looking to make that doorway wider, and easier to walk into.”
Potential grant recipients range from established community organizations to DDAP-licensed treatment providers. About eight grants of up to $750,000 each will be awarded. They can use the grants to enhance services including overdose prevention, free health care access, case management, and crucial resources like shelter, laundry facilities, mail services, clothing and hygiene, and hot showers. Prospective applicants can look through the grant application details and project summary available on the DDAP website.
In a move toward inclusive care, DDAP requires grant applicants to outline their involvement with diverse populations encompassing communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and residents of rural and urban areas.
Applications need to detail how projects will engage with, and provide access to these groups.
All applications must be submitted by midday on April 12.
The opioid settlement funds appropriated to DDAP by the General Assembly for the fiscal year 2023-24 are being used for these grants.