HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s efforts to combat substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health issues have earned the state a commendable eighth-place ranking among all U.S. states, according to a recent study using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The study was released by The Freedom Center, a Maryland-based SUD treatment facility.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) welcomed the recognition. DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said, “It is encouraging to see Pennsylvania among the top ten in the country for our substance use disorder treatment access and investments. It confirms our commitment to the mission and values of the department and to the strong partnerships we have in the field.”
The SAMHSA study’s findings were based on an analysis of the number of treatment facilities in each state as of 2023, combined with the amount of funding each spent on behavioral health efforts that year. According to the study, Pennsylvania boasts four SUD treatment facilities per 100,000 individuals and spends $281.86 per capita on behavioral health.
The PA Get Help Now helpline, available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), connects callers with local SUD resources. Trained professionals staff the helpline, guiding individuals seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one. The service, which is confidential, also provides access to funding for those needing help to pay for treatment.
Meanwhile, the Treatment Atlas serves as a comprehensive online tool for finding and comparing inpatient, residential, outpatient, and intensive outpatient treatment facilities. It allows users to search using various criteria, including location, types of treatment services, payment options, accepted insurers, specialty populations served, and patient experience.
The Shapiro Administration exceeded its provider enrollment goals for Treatment Atlas in 2023. Currently, 81 percent of licensed treatment facilities in Pennsylvania have submitted information to be included in the platform. Since its launch in June 2021, nearly 600 DDAP-licensed SUD treatment facilities across the state have enrolled, offering Pennsylvanians a wide range of choices to find the help they need.
This ranking is not just an achievement; it’s a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to its residents’ mental health and well-being. As substance use disorders continue to impact communities across the nation, Pennsylvania’s proactive efforts in this field are more important than ever.
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