HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is awarding more than $100,000 to community-based organizations in 10 counties to reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorder, a barrier officials say often prevents people from seeking treatment.
What This Means for You
- Four organizations will receive up to $29,000 each to fund anti-stigma efforts in 10 counties.
- Grants will support outreach on medication-based treatment, overdose response, and recovery resources.
- Funding is part of the state’s Life Unites Us campaign to treat substance use disorder as a medical condition.
Funding Targets “Invisible Barrier”
Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said stigma remains one of the most significant obstacles to treatment and recovery.
“Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to treatment and recovery, often preventing individuals from seeking the help they need,” Davis-Jones said. She added that the Life Unites Us campaign aims to invest in local partners to promote “compassionate, judgment-free care.”
Substance use disorder, or SUD, is a medical condition characterized by the recurrent use of alcohol or drugs despite harmful consequences. Health officials say stigma — negative attitudes or discrimination toward individuals with SUD — can discourage people from accessing services.
Grant Recipients and Counties
The following organizations will receive up to $29,000 each:
- Hope Works, serving Fayette County
- Drop-In Center Recovery Collective — including Oasis Community Recovery Club, Walking Free Clubhouse, and New Possibilities Recovery Drop-In Center — serving Northumberland, Snyder, Union, Montour, and Columbia counties
- This Is My Quest, serving Tioga, Potter, and Bradford counties
- Ark of Safety, serving Philadelphia
Curtis Jarett, a certified recovery specialist with Hope Works, said stigma can delay help-seeking. “The Life Unites Us grant will give Hope Works the ability to educate, bring honest conversations into the open, and create pathways to help without fear or shame,” Jarett said.
How the Funds Will Be Used
According to DDAP, the grants will support efforts to:
- Increase favorable attitudes toward medication-assisted treatment for SUD;
- Reach youth, parents, veterans, and educators with education on evidence-based treatment and overdose response; and
- Expand recovery resources and support for LGBTQ populations.
Medication-assisted treatment refers to the use of FDA-approved medications, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, to treat substance use disorders.
Statewide Campaign and Oversight
The funding is administered through DDAP’s Life Unites Us partners: Penn State Harrisburg’s Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research and the nonprofit organization Shatterproof.
Dr. Weston Kensinger, director of Penn State’s Douglas W. Pollock Center, said the campaign relies on data-driven communication strategies and community partnerships to reduce stigma.
Ashley Narvaez, senior program manager at Shatterproof, said low-barrier grants can have significant impact for grassroots organizations.
Life Unites Us is a statewide public awareness initiative that uses social media and community engagement to share recovery stories, provide educational webinars, and maintain a public data dashboard tracking campaign progress.
The anti-stigma effort is part of DDAP’s broader state plan, which includes expanding overdose prevention education, increasing awareness of treatment access, and promoting understanding of SUD as a medical condition rather than a moral failing.
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