LANCASTER, PA — Pennsylvania’s Warm Handoff Program has connected nearly 68,000 people to substance use treatment and recovery services since Gov. Josh Shapiro took office, as the administration continues expanding hospital-based interventions designed to reduce repeat overdoses.
Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones announced the milestone Tuesday, reporting that warm handoff programs now operate in nearly 170 hospitals statewide. Since the start of the administration, hospitals have recorded approximately 93,400 warm handoff encounters, resulting in 67,600 direct referrals to treatment.
The initiative connects overdose survivors and other patients identified as needing substance use disorder services with treatment providers before they leave the emergency department, addressing what officials describe as one of the highest-risk periods for a repeat overdose.
“We’re talking about expedient, appropriate, and seamless care for individuals who have overdosed,” Davis-Jones stated. “Providing door-to-door referrals, appropriate resources, and showing compassion at such a critical time can make all the difference in saving lives and leading individuals on a path to recovery.”
The announcement also highlighted behavioral health investments included in the 2026-27 state budget. The spending plan allocates $5 million to sustain walk-in behavioral health crisis stabilization centers, which provide around-the-clock mental health and substance use services, particularly in areas with limited access to immediate care.
Under the warm handoff process, designated staff discuss treatment options with eligible patients, arrange an assessment if the patient agrees, and coordinate referrals for treatment, recovery support, case management or medication-assisted treatment before discharge.
The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has worked with Pennsylvania’s 47 Single County Authorities over the past decade to establish approved warm handoff programs with hospitals throughout the Commonwealth.
In Lancaster County, warm handoff programs operate at Lancaster General Hospital, Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, UPMC Lititz and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. Since the beginning of the Shapiro administration, those hospitals have recorded nearly 500 encounters, with more than 300 individuals accepting referrals for treatment.
Justin Dettinger, who entered recovery through Lancaster General Hospital’s program, credited the initiative with changing the course of his life.
“Lancaster General Hospital’s program helped save my life,” Dettinger stated.
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