Harrisburg, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) joined individuals in recovery and their families, advocacy organizations, and others for a day full of events to officially kick off National Recovery Month in Pennsylvania.
National Recovery Month is an annual recognition that is observed throughout the month of September to highlight the gains made in the lives of individuals living in recovery from substance use disorders (SUD) and show that people can and do recover every day. It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans are recovering from SUD, including thousands of Pennsylvanians. The 2024 National Recovery Month theme is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”
“People can and do recover from the disease of addiction, and September is a time to celebrate that journey,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “The Shapiro Administration’s efforts are year-round as we work every day to promote recovery and make recovery resources more equitable across the board. At the crux of our efforts is eliminating stigma and clearing a path for someone to take that first step on their road to recovery, and to remind them that no one is alone on that personal journey to wellness.”
Today’s event, Share the Hope: A Recovery Story, centered on the importance of wellness in individuals’ recovery journeys and power in sharing personal recovery stories. It featured wellness activities and demonstrations, including recovery yoga sessions, drum circles, origami lessons, and soul line dancing. The event also featured speakers in recovery from both substance use and problem gambling disorders.
“The disease of addiction isn’t about desire or just wanting to stop, and recovery isn’t always about abstinence. Sometimes, using other medications or harm reduction tools is necessary to stay safe and continue healing,” said Cambria King, Senior Peer Navigator, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. “The most important thing is that we provide people with the right resources, not rigid expectations. Everyone’s path to recovery is different, and we need to ensure support is accessible for all.”
“The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania welcomes the opportunity to participate in this recovery event, to celebrate those who are in recovery, and to reach out to the residents of the Commonwealth who are affected by problem gambling,” said Josh Ercole, CCGP Executive Director. “This is a wonderful chance to raise awareness about the statewide helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, and other resources, like counseling and support groups, available to those experiencing negative issues as a result of a gambling disorder. Recovery is not only possible, it's probable – and knowing where to turn is key.”
In addition to the wellness activities, there were tours of Driving Recovery for PA, the state’s first mobile licensed narcotic treatment program. This 37-foot mobile RV treatment center, owned and operated by Gaudenzia, Inc., offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT), assessments, certified recovery support, counseling, harm reduction services, and connection to support services for medically underserved communities in six Pennsylvania counties.
“Breaking down barriers and improving access to evidence-based care is vital when we talk about supporting recovery in all communities,” said Dr. Deja Gilbert, President and CEO of Gaudenzia. “Gaudenzia’s Driving Recovery for PA is our innovative approach in bringing lifesaving treatment directly into communities to help individuals who may not otherwise receive treatment.”
Commitment to Recovery
The Shapiro Administration’s commitment to empowering sustained recovery can be found in both the DDAP recovery house licensure program and regional recovery hubs initiative.
Currently, there are nearly 360 DDAP-licensed recovery houses across the Commonwealth. The purpose of the licensure program is to help empower sustained recovery for thousands of 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.
There are nine regional recovery hubs, funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to embed, expand, and promote a Recovery-Oriented System of Care, which is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is person-centered, with the ultimate goal of improving the health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals in recovery from SUD.
DDAP Recovery Month Events
Throughout September, DDAP will be holding several other Recovery Month events, including:
Documentary Screening: Our American Family
· Wednesday, September 18, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
· Penn State Harrisburg Campus, Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre, 777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown
· Our American Family is an honest portrait of five Philadelphia family members grappling with the legacy of generational addiction as they fight to heal resentments and pull each other out of the deepest depths.
Recovery Transformation: “The Phoenix”
· Thursday, September 26, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
· Main Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg
· Meet two individuals who are on their recovery journey who will share their story of hope and then show off their new look, which will include makeover-style transformations.
Recovery in Nature
· DDAP and DCNR have identified a corresponding trail or waterway within a state park or trail system near each regional recovery hub. A number of the trails are included within Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign. All locations are recommended for Pennsylvanians to use and enjoy throughout the entire month of September and beyond.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s recovery initiatives and resources at ddap.pa.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Stephany Dugan - ra-dapressoffice@pa.gov