HARRISBURG, PA — On Friday, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced it is now accepting applications from entities to manage and oversee Pennsylvania’s Drug and Alcohol Call Center, also known as the Get Help Now hotline. The successful applicant will receive nearly $7 million in grant funding to operate the hotline over a five-year period.
The Get Help Now hotline provides confidential referral services for Pennsylvanians and their families seeking drug and alcohol treatment. It supports individuals dealing with substance use disorders (SUD).
“Our Get Help Now hotline is a cornerstone of the services we provide, and this opportunity is a show of commitment to strengthening access to SUD treatment,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “It is an incredibly valuable resource that helps to connect Pennsylvanians with SUD treatment and support services in their community. It is a trusted, 100 percent confidential resource for those in need as well as their loved ones.”
The hotline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and is available 24/7, 365 days a year, in both English and Spanish. Individuals can also access the helpline through a chat option on the DDAP website or by texting 717-216-0905. Trained professionals staff the hotline and can connect callers to local SUD treatment and resources.
In 2023, the Get Help Now hotline received over 17,000 calls, referring approximately 13,722 callers to treatment. Alcohol was the most frequently reported substance, followed by stimulants and opioids. Callers were connected to resources based on their individual needs and location.
Applications must include a detailed plan for managing day-to-day operations of the call center. Key requirements are:
- Developing a system to transfer insured callers to their insurance provider for inclusive treatment options.
- Assisting callers with Medicaid enrollment over the phone.
- Implementing policies to handle emergency situations, including high-risk overdose scenarios.
- Collaborating with county drug and alcohol offices or other entities designated by DDAP to assist individuals with transportation to and from treatment.
Additionally, applicants must provide language translation options and maintain a texting service for callers.
Pennsylvania’s Fight Against Substance Use
This initiative holds significant importance. Substance use disorders remain a critical issue in Pennsylvania and nationwide. By ensuring the efficient operation of the Get Help Now hotline, the state aims to provide immediate and effective support to those grappling with addiction. This helps prevent overdoses, connects individuals to essential treatment services, and ultimately saves lives.
The hotline’s confidentiality is paramount. Many individuals hesitate to seek help due to stigma or fear of exposure. A trusted and private resource like the Get Help Now hotline encourages more people to reach out and get the assistance they need.
Furthermore, the program’s expansion to offer comprehensive services, such as real-time transfer to insurance providers and Medicaid enrollment, ensures that individuals receive timely and appropriate care. This holistic approach addresses not just the immediate need for intervention but also long-term treatment and recovery.
The importance of collaboration with local authorities and transportation assistance cannot be overstated. Access to treatment facilities can be a significant barrier for many, especially in rural areas. By facilitating transportation, the program removes one of the critical obstacles to getting help.
Applicants interested in managing the hotline must submit completed applications via email to RA-DAGrantsMgmt@pa.gov by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 18. For more information, visit the Funding Opportunities page on the DDAP website.
This initiative marks a crucial step in Pennsylvania’s ongoing efforts to combat substance use disorders and ensure that all residents have access to the support and treatment they need.
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