POTTSVILLE, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Program (DDAP) helped announce Gaudenzia Inc.'s Driving Recovery for PA, the state's first mobile licensed narcotic treatment program, today.
The 37-foot mobile RV treatment center will provide medication-assisted treatment for people with substance use disorders or those diagnosed with opioid use disorders.
According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, an average of 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from an overdose and Opendata PA estimated 299,000 Pennsylvanians struggled with a drug use disorder in 2020.
“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. Driving Recovery for PA is a prime example of us removing the barrier of transportation in more rural settings and bringing care into local neighborhoods,” DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said.
Gaudenzia President and CEO Dr. Deja Gilbert believes lifesaving treatment should not be a barrier for anyone.
“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,” Dr. Gilbert said.
Gaudenzia Inc. is one of the country's largest nonprofit treatment providers for people with substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions.
The mobile unit will serve communities in six Pennsylvania counties.
