CHARLEROI, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) recently announced a $1.5 million investment to expand drop-in center services for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in southwestern Pennsylvania.
DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones made the announcement alongside leaders from Club Serenity and the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive community-based support. “SUD drop-in centers provide access to basic human essentials like health care, shelter, and food for individuals looking for supportive SUD services and help Pennsylvanians get connected to treatment, recovery, and harm reduction options,” said Dr. Davis-Jones. “We look forward to the positive impact this drop-in center will have on the residents of Washington, Fayette, Greene, and Westmoreland counties.”
Club Serenity, one of 12 recipients of the Shapiro Administration’s $20 million statewide drop-in center initiative, plans to open the center by fall. According to Dr. Joey Pagano, Club Serenity Vice President, “Drop-in centers provide a doorway for an individual’s recovery journey and we’re looking to make that doorway wider and easier to walk into.”
The center will feature trauma-informed services, short-term crisis beds, and peer support from staff with lived SUD experience. Plans also include potential satellite locations throughout the Mon Valley region to extend outreach.
Services will address both immediate and long-term needs, including harm reduction, access to basic necessities, healthcare screenings, behavioral health referrals, and legal support. Additional resources such as showers, laundry facilities, and public restrooms will be available, along with support groups and advocacy services.
During her recent visit, Dr. Davis-Jones also recognized Fayette County Drug & Alcohol Commission staff who received nearly $95,000 through DDAP’s student loan repayment program, an initiative aimed at retaining experienced SUD professionals. Melissa Ferris, Executive Director of the Commission, noted, “The approval of student loan forgiveness for myself and other staff members has been truly transformative. This funding has helped us retain highly experienced professionals in the substance use disorder field. Their expertise and continued service are critical to meeting the needs of our community.”
The announcement is part of “DDAP on the Move: Your Voice, Your Community,” an ongoing statewide tour designed to engage directly with local providers and community members. Future stops are scheduled in Greene, Chester, and Bucks counties.
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