Harrisburg, PA - Last evening, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) held “The Phoenix,” an event to highlight the power of transformation and importance of access to supports in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD).
“This really put the exclamation point on Recovery Month,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Recovery is a journey that’s not always easy, but, with access to the right supports, we know that recovery is not only possible, it’s probable – our “Phoenix” participants are living proof of that. Just like the symbolism of the phoenix, people in recovery can, and do, succeed after battling SUD.”
The event featured David Ridley and Mariette Torres, two individuals in recovery, who shared their inspiring stories of how they each experienced trauma at an early age, started misusing substances as teens, and what their respective recovery journeys entail.
“I’ve been in recovery for three years and it’s absolutely fabulous,” said Ridley, a “Phoenix” participant. “To have this opportunity of recovery, to give my son the life that I never had, is beyond measure, beyond words, beyond explanation.”
“I am thankful every day for everyone who’s supported me, who’s pushed me and helped me become who I am today,” said Torres, a “Phoenix” participant. “I say to the people out there who are looking for help, ‘Don’t give up. There are always resources out there and a hand to help.’”
Both Ridley and Torres were given new looks during the event courtesy of Recovery House of Worship York, a recovery community organization (RCO).
“It’s about showing up, being there for people, and letting them know someone cares, someone sees the best in them,” said Michael Muldrow, York City Police Commissioner and guest barber. “I proudly gave my time and talents to help with David’s transformation as he steps into this next chapter of life.”
A discussion on the importance of RCOs and state-funded efforts and programs followed the reveals. RCOs are organizations in local communities that are led by individuals with direct lived experience, provide peer support services, recovery-focused activities, and education and outreach programs.
“The Shapiro Administration is dedicated to ensuring that Pennsylvanians are supported through all phases of their recovery journey and that whatever recovery road they choose to walk is paved with opportunities,” Secretary Davis-Jones added. “We have to ensure there are community supports at the local level including recovery housing standards and protections through our licensure program, and equitable and equal recovery resources for those who have too long been underserved and underrepresented.”
The Shapiro Administration is placing a focus on empowering sustained recovery and expanding access to equitable treatment services by:
- 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; and
- 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.
Individuals looking for SUD treatment options or resources for themselves, or a loved one can call DDAP’s Get Help Now Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline is free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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 SUD and show that every day, people can and do recover. The 2024 National Recovery Month theme is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”
Photos and video of the event are available through PA Cast.
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephany Dugan - ra-dapressoffice@pa.gov
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