Pottsville, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Gaudenzia, Inc., helped to unveil Gaudenzia Inc.’s Driving Recovery for PA, the state’s first mobile licensed narcotic treatment program. Gaudenzia, Inc., one of the country’s largest nonprofit treatment providers for people with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring conditions, Alvernia University, and state lawmakers were on hand for the official unveiling of this mobile initiative, which will bring evidence-based treatment and services to individuals struggling with SUD and co-occurring conditions to help save lives in Pennsylvania communities.
Driving Recovery for PA aims to provide treatment to over 400 adults with an opioid use disorder (OUD) and 200 family members over the first five years in service. The mobile unit’s opioid treatment program (OTP), which provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for people diagnosed with an OUD, is licensed through DDAP and certified through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition, Driving Recovery for PA’s OTP is registered at the federal level by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
“Meeting people where they are, both physically and mentally — that’s exactly what Driving Recovery for PA is doing for those battling the disease of addiction,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “With substance use at epidemic levels affecting hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, it is imperative that we continue to make treatment accessible, affordable, equitable, and attainable. Driving Recovery for PA is a prime example of us removing the barrier of transportation in more rural settings and bringing care into local neighborhoods.”
Made possible through a SAMHSA grant, the 37-foot mobile RV treatment center 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 including Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder, and Union.
“Accessing lifesaving treatment should not be a barrier for any individual, no matter where you live,” stated Dr. Deja Gilbert, Gaudenzia President and CEO. “Gaudenzia is committed to breaking down barriers so that any individual seeking treatment can get the help they need in order to achieve long-term recovery and live a healthy and fulfilling life. We are proud to be the first in the state to go beyond our brick-and-mortar locations and bring compassionate care right into communities who may lack treatment options through this unique and innovative program.”
Gaudenzia operates over 50 facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. The agency serves more than 15,000 individuals annually and operates over 100 programs providing a full continuum of care. Since 1968, Gaudenzia has provided specialized services and programs for all demographics, including pregnant and parenting mothers, adolescents, people with substance use and co-occurring disorders, and more.
According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, an average of 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from an overdose while Opendata PA estimated 299,000 Pennsylvanians struggled with a drug use disorder in 2020.
The mobile unit will travel to different partnering locations including university campuses, churches, county offices and more throughout the coverage area.
“We recognize that every single community is affected by addiction and Alvernia is proud to offer one of the longest-running and most robust addictions and mental health treatment programs in the country," said Alvernia University Vice President for Graduate and Adult Education Gaetan T. Giannini, Ed.D. "We are excited for the continued development of innovative solutions and grateful for the support of SAMHSA to provide life-saving measures to Pennsylvania residents.”
To learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s efforts in combating the overdose and opioid crises, visit ddap.pa.gov.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Photo and video downloads from the event are available on PACast.
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephany Dugan - ra-dapressoffice@pa.gov
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