HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has unveiled $3 million in grant funding to support healthcare providers in delivering integrated care that addresses both behavioral health and primary physical health needs. This funding, sourced from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement, aims to expand access to holistic healthcare services across the state.
The settlement, which stems from a multistate investigation into opioid manufacturers and distributors conducted under former Attorney General Josh Shapiro, has already generated billions of dollars in agreements. This latest initiative marks a significant investment in tackling substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) by enhancing collaboration between behavioral and physical health providers.
“The Shapiro Administration understands there is a need in Pennsylvania to improve access to whole-person health by increasing capacity for primary care settings to identify and connect people to integrated behavioral and physical health care,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “This is a prime example of how we’re working to meet people where they are in terms of streamlining physical health and behavioral health services – eliminating the need to go to different providers for substance use disorder care and primary care.”
The grant program serves three key purposes:
- To foster better integration between behavioral and physical health services in clinical settings;
- To improve overall wellness by prioritizing coordinated care approaches; and
- To support the implementation of evidence-based practices for treating substance use disorders and chronic physical conditions.
Eligible applicants include primary care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, and federally qualified health clinics. These organizations must demonstrate experience in addressing substance use issues or collaborate with community-based providers equipped with such expertise.
Grant funding can be used for activities such as screenings, referrals, ongoing care coordination, prevention programs, and the adoption of evidence-based integrated care models like the Primary Care Behavioral Health Model or Collaborative Care Model. These models emphasize a team-based approach, including case managers, behavioral health specialists, and consulting addiction experts.
Applications must be submitted electronically by noon on Friday, January 24, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed and scored based on adherence to funding guidelines, with an emphasis on timely and complete applications.
This initiative represents Pennsylvania’s latest effort to combat substance use disorders by creating a seamless healthcare experience, strengthening connections between mental and physical health providers, and ensuring patients receive comprehensive, accessible care.
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