PENNSYLVANIA — Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), continued the agency’s statewide stakeholder engagement tour in Mercer County on Friday. The tour aims to gather insights on the opioid and overdose crises to assist in regulatory reform and increase community and treatment provider engagement.
Secretary Davis-Jones stated, “Today’s roundtable discussions and stops at local providers of recovery supports are a look into how Mercer County is addressing the needs of residents and priority populations at the local level.”
During her visit, Secretary Davis-Jones toured the Resolutions Recovery Center, which offers a variety of recovery support programs. She also participated in a holiday-focused activity at Removing Obstacles to Assist with Recovery, a supportive drop-in center for individuals in recovery.
The Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers, recovery organizations, and other stakeholders joined Secretary Davis-Jones for a roundtable discussion on managing the overdose crisis in the county.
The Single County Authority (SCA) for drug and alcohol services in Mercer County is dedicated to providing high-quality prevention, intervention, treatment services, and recovery supports.
DDAP’s regulatory reform initiative focuses on:
- Organizing regulations for better comprehension by providers and patients
- Updating terminology to current, consistent, and non-stigmatizing language
- Ensuring regulations promote client safety, quality care, and positive outcomes
These initiatives align with Governor Josh Shapiro’s Executive Order to establish the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council. The Council will develop a statewide action plan for delivering timely and quality mental health and addiction care services through an evidence-based behavioral delivery system.
Stakeholders of the tour include individuals in recovery, service providers, active service recipients, community leaders, schools, corrections units, and more. The tour aims to reach communities and voices less frequently heard, addressing the needs of various groups impacted by the substance use disorder.
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