Pennsylvania Launches Innovative Education Series to Combat Opioid Crisis Impact on Workforce

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has introduced a pioneering initiative aimed at alleviating workforce challenges exacerbated by the opioid crisis. The “Recovery Coach Workforce Education Series,” developed in collaboration with the Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, seeks to equip care coordinators and recovery professionals with the necessary skills to incorporate employment services into the recovery journey.

This comprehensive five-part virtual training series is a strategic component of L&I’s broader efforts to mitigate the opioid epidemic’s detrimental effects on Pennsylvania’s labor market. The initiative underscores the dual focus on enhancing the healthcare workforce and providing tailored employment support throughout various stages of recovery. By aligning these objectives, L&I aims to foster a sustainable pathway for individuals overcoming addiction, ultimately contributing to the resilience and economic stability of communities across the state.

Nancy A. Walker, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, emphasized the holistic approach of the initiative. “The opioid crisis has had a profound impact on our workforce, and it’s crucial that we approach this challenge holistically through programs like the Recovery Coach Workforce Education Series,” she stated. By empowering recovery professionals, the program not only addresses immediate workforce gaps but also lays the foundation for long-term recovery success and community strength.

Targeting Pennsylvania’s 45 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and other community recovery hubs, the education series is designed to enhance the capabilities of professionals at the forefront of opioid treatment. The program builds upon existing collaborations with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and leverages federal funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Statewide Set-Aside funds, totaling $150,000.

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Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, highlighted the multidisciplinary approach of the Shapiro Administration in tackling the opioid crisis, stating, “We are looking forward to seeing the results of this new partnership… as it will address the critical work of stigma reduction in the workplace head on.”

Courses are set to commence in December and will continue through April 2025. Interested participants are encouraged to register online to take advantage of this fully federally funded opportunity designed to foster transformative change within the workforce impacted by the opioid crisis.

This initiative marks a significant step in Pennsylvania’s ongoing commitment to address the opioid crisis through innovative solutions that integrate healthcare and employment services, ultimately enhancing individual recovery pathways and community resilience.

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