Pottsville, PA – Last week, Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones joined the Schuylkill County Drug & Alcohol Program to officially open the county’s new Recovery Center, which underwent recent renovations funded by Schuylkill County’s share of opioid settlement dollars.
The funding was the result of a multistate investigation of opioid manufacturers and distributors spearheaded by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro. It led to multiple settlement agreements worth billions of dollars to expand or enhance recovery support services for individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder and other SUDs, most of which goes directly to Pennsylvania counties to meet local needs.
The Recovery Center will be peer-driven, meaning those who are living in SUD recovery will be providing many of the services. The center will offer community-based self-help programs, socialization programs, employment assistance with resumes and job searches, and referral services.
The center will be in addition to the existing Crisis Walk-in Center site, which has been providing mental health and drug and alcohol services for county residents, including DDAP-funded individuals, since 2023.
Read what people are saying about the new Schuylkill County recovery center:
- DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika-Davis Jones: “For people trying to get their lives on track, this center will show that it’s not just possible, but probable. It will give them hope.”
- Pearl Robertson, Administrator of the Schuylkill County Drug & Alcohol Program: “Even people who aren’t in recovery can come here and educate themselves. I think people are going to understand substance use disorder a lot more and be more accepting of it.”
- Elaine Gilbert, Administrator, Schuylkill County Mental Health, Developmental Services and Drug & Alcohol Programs: “It can be difficult for those in recovery to find social settings that are substance free, but the new center will provide regular group activities, a gathering place and access to certified recovery specialists.”
- Melissa Sullo, Gaudenzia Fountain Springs SUD treatment center resident: “I am seeing my children now. Without the help of all these people and all these services I wouldn’t have been able to do that. So, that’s the best part.”
See what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about the new center:
- WFMZ: 'A safe space for our clients': Schuylkill County unveils new recovery center for substance use disorders
- Republican Herald: New recovery center opening soon in Pottsville
- The Shenandoah Sentinel: State, county officials mark opening of substance use recovery center in Pottsville
- The Center Square: Schuylkill County opens new recovery center
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts in combating the overdose crisis at ddap.pa.gov.
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