HARRISBURG, PA — More Pennsylvanians now have access to free overdose-reversing medication and drug testing tools as the state’s Overdose Prevention Program reaches 100 partner organizations operating across all counties.
What This Means for You
- Free Access Expands: Naloxone and drug testing strips are now more widely available in local communities statewide.
- Faster Emergency Response: Naloxone can quickly restore breathing during an opioid overdose, potentially saving lives.
- More Local Pickup Points: Community organizations serve as distribution hubs, increasing access in both urban and rural areas.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs said the milestone marks a significant expansion of its harm reduction strategy, aimed at reducing fatal overdoses through broader access to lifesaving tools.
Naloxone, a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, reverses opioid overdoses by restoring breathing when it has slowed or stopped. Drug testing strips allow individuals to detect substances like fentanyl and xylazine—powerful additives often linked to overdose deaths.
How the Program Works
The program operates on a “hub-and-spoke” model, meaning the state supplies naloxone and testing strips to approved partner organizations, which then distribute them locally.
These partners—including county drug and alcohol offices, health care providers, first responders, recovery groups, and faith-based organizations—act as access points where residents can obtain supplies at no cost.
“The Overdose Prevention Program demonstrates DDAP’s commitment to reducing overdose deaths by expanding access to naloxone and other life-saving overdose prevention supplies,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “Having a strong, statewide network of partners really helps to strengthen our harm reduction infrastructure while emphasizing equity, access, and trust among the individuals using these resources to save lives.”
Measurable Impact Across Pennsylvania
Since the start of the Shapiro Administration, the program has reported more than 15,000 overdose reversals using state-supplied naloxone.
More than two million naloxone doses and nearly two million drug testing strips have been distributed statewide.
Local Example: Shippensburg University
Among the 100 partners is Shippensburg University, the first institution in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education to join the program.
Through its Connection Alcohol and Other Drugs Program, the university has distributed more than 1,500 doses of naloxone.
The medication is available in newspaper-style distribution boxes placed at eight locations, including campus buildings and community sites such as the Shippensburg Public Library.
“Shippensburg University is honored to be a part of the Shapiro Administration’s Overdose Prevention Program,” said university president Dr. Charles E. Patterson. “Through this collaborative initiative, we further prioritize the resources required to address this critical public health matter that impacts all Pennsylvania communities.”
Program coordinator Kurt Dunkel said the partnership improves access and coordination at the local level.
“Becoming an overdose prevention partner is an important new chapter – as it creates a more efficient pathway for access, streamlines distribution of naloxone and testing strips, and it allows the Connection AOD program to serve as a local site for community members who would like to pick up naloxone,” Dunkel said.
Accessing Help and Resources
Residents can find nearby overdose prevention partners and free supplies through the state’s online locator:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ddap/overdose/overdose-prevention-program/find-overdose-prevention-supplies
Pennsylvanians seeking substance use treatment or recovery support can call the PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or use the Treatment Atlas tool: https://treatmentatlas.org/
County-level programs, known as Single County Authorities, can also assist with treatment referrals, funding, and service coordination.
More information about statewide overdose prevention efforts is available at ddap.pa.gov.
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