JOHNSTOWN, PA — On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones joined local leaders and experts in Johnstown for a roundtable discussion on the opioid and overdose crises. This meeting was part of DDAP’s statewide engagement tour aimed at collecting feedback to shape long-term strategies for tackling these issues.
Dr. Davis-Jones emphasized the importance of prevention as the first line of defense against substance use disorders (SUD). “Today was an opportunity to hear and see how programs function across Cambria County,” she said. “We know that prevention really is our first line of defense in ensuring our children grow up to live healthy, productive lives without developing a substance use disorder.”
The Shapiro Administration is prioritizing access to behavioral health services for young people. The 2023-24 state budget includes $100 million for student mental health services and $20 million for county mental health support.
As part of the visit, Dr. Davis-Jones spotlighted the Flood City Youth Fitness Academy (FCYFA). This DDAP-funded program offers a range of activities, from STEM education to physical fitness, aimed at building self-esteem and promoting a healthy lifestyle among students. FCYFA’s unique approach includes providing door-to-door transportation for students, which has led to high retention rates.
“With DDAP’s funding, we have been able to ensure that treatment is widely available, and that cost is not a barrier,” said Fred Oliveros, Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program Administrator. “At the same time, we are focused on providing support to our youth on an individual level to prevent them from moving to substance use in the first place.”
The roundtable was part of ‘Phase 2’ of DDAP’s engagement tour, which builds on findings from previous discussions. In ‘Phase 1’, DDAP visited 10 counties and met with over 220 stakeholders to gather insights. Future stops in Phase 2 will include Westmoreland, Franklin, and Fulton counties.
The roundtable and subsequent discussions aim to gather crucial input for DDAP’s regulatory reform initiatives and to address issues such as data requirements, health equity, and treatment slot management. The goal is to ensure a full spectrum of equitable and accessible SUD prevention and treatment services for all Pennsylvanians.
The ongoing efforts by DDAP and local programs like FCYFA aim to combat the opioid crisis and support those affected by substance use disorders.
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