Mobile narcotic treatment program unveiled in Pottsville
PHOTO COURTESY / COMMONWEALTH MEDIA SERVICES
POTTSVILLE – The state’s first mobile licensed narcotic treatment program was unveiled Friday in Pottsville.
Gaudenzia, Inc., described as one of the country’s largest nonprofit treatment providers for people with substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring conditions, is launching their Driving Recovery for PA program.
The program aims to provide treatment to over 400 adults with an opioid use disorder (OUD) and 200 family members over the first five years in service.
It’s a 37-foot mobile RV treatment center, offering medication-assisted treatment (MAT), assessments, certified recovery support, counseling, harm reduction services and connection to support services for medically underserved communities in Schuylkill, Columbia, Northumberland, Montour, Snyder, and Union counties.
“Meeting people where they are, both physically and mentally — that’s exactly what Driving Recovery for PA is doing for those battling the disease of addiction,” said Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “With substance use at epidemic levels affecting hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, it is imperative that we continue to make treatment accessible, affordable, equitable, and attainable.”
“Accessing lifesaving treatment should not be a barrier for any individual, no matter where you live,” stated Dr. Deja Gilbert, Gaudenzia President and CEO. “Gaudenzia is committed to breaking down barriers so that any individual seeking treatment can get the help they need in order to achieve long-term recovery and live a healthy and fulfilling life. We are proud to be the first in the state to go beyond our brick-and-mortar locations and bring compassionate care right into communities who may lack treatment options through this unique and innovative program.”
According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, an average of 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from an overdose while Opendata PA estimated 299,000 Pennsylvanians struggled with a drug use disorder in 2020.
Gaudenzia operates over 50 facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
Two of those facilities are in northern Schuylkill County, on the campus of the former Ashland State Hospital.
The agency serves more than 15,000 individuals annually and operates over 100 programs providing a full continuum of care.
The mobile unit will travel to different partnering locations including university campuses, churches, county offices and more throughout the coverage area.
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