HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has announced nearly $1.5 million in funding to support community-based initiatives aimed at preventing opioid use disorder (OUD). The grants, provided to seven organizations across Pennsylvania, focus on youth-oriented, evidence-based prevention programs designed to mitigate opioid misuse in local communities.
Financed by the Mallinckrodt opioid settlement, part of a multistate investigation led by former Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the funding stems from comprehensive legal agreements to address the impacts of the opioid epidemic. These settlements directed billions of dollars nationwide to enhance recovery and prevention efforts, with significant portions allocated to Pennsylvania communities to address local needs.
“Prevention is critical to our overall public health strategy to manage the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Stopping misuse before it starts is crucial to our efforts in reducing opioid overdoses, particularly in rural and underserved areas.”
The funding will be distributed as grants of up to $200,000 each among the following organizations and their respective areas:
- Little Wings of Hope (Allegheny County)
- Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Foundation (Allegheny County)
- Cambria County Drug Coalition, Inc. (Cambria, Somerset, Bedford counties)
- Willow Foundation (Carbon, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Schuylkill counties)
- YWCA Tri-County Area (Chester, Montgomery counties)
- Mother of Mercy (Philadelphia)
- Unity Recovery (Philadelphia)
These organizations are tasked with implementing primary prevention activities, including educational programs, anti-drug coalitions, community campaigns, and support services targeting families, youth, and at-risk individuals. Specific programs will include youth-focused initiatives proven effective in preventing substance misuse, as well as services addressing mental health and resilience-building for at-risk adolescents.
The grants aim to empower local communities by fostering awareness and education while engaging community groups, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations in the fight against opioid misuse. A key focus remains addressing adverse childhood experiences, which research has linked to higher risks of substance misuse later in life.
Speaking on the impact of the funding, Nichole Rousell, Project Coordinator for the Cambria County Drug Coalition, emphasized the opportunity to build effective prevention campaigns targeting childhood trauma. “We are proud to receive this grant and look forward to benefiting residents not only in Cambria County but also in Bedford and Somerset counties,” Rousell stated.
The initiative is part of Pennsylvania’s ongoing effort to address the opioid crisis, a public health challenge that continues to affect thousands of residents across the state. Through investing in prevention and educational resources, DDAP seeks to create lasting change and reduce the devastating toll of opioid misuse.
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