Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Department Invests $3 Million to Centralize Care for Patients with Substance Use Disorder

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced the availability of $3 million in grant funding to provide integrated, centralized healthcare that addresses both behavioral health and primary health needs for persons with substance use disorder (SUD). The purpose of this initiative is three-fold, including:

·    To promote the integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health needs.

·    To support the improvement of integrated care to improve overall wellness.

·    To promote the implementation and improvements of integrated care services, including evidence-based or evidence-informed screening, assessment, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and recovery services for SUD, opioid use disorder (OUD), and co-occurring physical health conditions and chronic diseases through integrated care.

The goals of this grant opportunity align with Shapiro’s Executive Order establishing the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council.