PENNSYLVANIA —The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), in collaboration with the Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Trafficking Area (LMA HIDTA) Program, hosted the state’s Emerging Drug Trend Symposium on Thursday, November 9. The event focused on examining current drug trends, discussing innovative strategies to connect drug users to treatment and social services, and identifying service gaps.
Key points from the symposium:
- The primary goal of the symposium was to ensure that treatment providers and other professionals are well-equipped to adapt their services as drug use patterns evolve.
- The symposium attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including law enforcement officers, criminal justice professionals, health care providers, emergency personnel, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers, and individuals with lived experience.
- DDAP has been organizing these stakeholder meetings annually since 2019 to discuss changing drug trends.
- This year’s event broadened its scope to include emerging trends in the street drug supply, such as xylazine.
- Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s direction, DDAP is focusing on improving and expanding access to high-quality SUD treatment and recovery programs.
“This symposium was designed with the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians as the primary focus,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “We want to make sure that as drug use patterns change, treatment providers and other allied professionals have the knowledge they need to adapt prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction services to meet the needs of people who use drugs in a variety of settings.”
“The illicit and dangerous substances circulating today pose extraordinary challenges to public safety and public health agencies, treatment and recovery support providers, and all who are determined to improve the health and safety of Pennsylvanians,” stated LMA HIDTA Executive Director Jeremiah Daley.
As part of a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the overdose crisis, DDAP is prioritizing health equity and implementing evidence-based and data-driven prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery strategies. The aim is to bridge divides in services, ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have access to the care they need.
Individuals seeking substance use disorder resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.
More information on the Commonwealth’s efforts can be found on the DDAP website.
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