Chester, PA – Leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) made stops in Delaware County today as part of the Shapiro Administration’s broader effort to support communities battling substance use disorder (SUD) and the opioid epidemic, highlighting DDAP’s investments to assist licensed recovery houses in making health and safety upgrades to provide added protection for residents.
“Stable, safe, and accessible recovery housing makes a lasting difference in an individual’s recovery journey, and I am proud the Shapiro Administration is investing in homes like this,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “This is one more example of the Administration’s commitment to supporting Pennsylvanians across the full spectrum of SUD supports and services—from treatment all the way to and through recovery.”
Secretary Davis-Jones joined officials and residents of MVP Recovery at one of their Delaware County recovery houses to announce an over $41,000 investment from the Commonwealth and how it made upgrades possible, including installing additional LED motion lighting throughout the property; repairing or replacing flooring, stairways, handrails, and sidewalks; and painting the interior and exterior of the house.
“We are dedicated to creating recovery homes that reflect the highest levels of safety, structure, and support—environments where meaningful, lasting recovery can take root,” said Brian Corson, Founder & CEO, MVP Recovery. “We are incredibly grateful to DDAP for awarding us this funding to support continued improvements to our recovery homes. It is a powerful investment in our mission and will assist with necessary enhancements to ensure we meet and maintain all DDAP licensure requirements, allowing us to continue offering the kind of recovery housing that promotes accountability, community, and long-term success.”
MVP Recovery is the largest provider of DDAP-licensed recovery houses in Pennsylvania, with all of its 22 recovery houses being licensed. MVP Recovery received more than $41,000 under the grant initiative, which was from federal funding awarded to Pennsylvania by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
“Access to safe and affordable housing is a top priority for the Shapiro Administration because we know that having a stable roof over your head is essential for success – especially for individuals in recovery,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Investments like the one we’re making here at MVP Recovery have the power to change lives and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support that mission.”
DDAP’s recovery house licensure program is part of the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to ensure the availability of safe, supportive housing. DDAP is continually accepting applications for recovery houses seeking licensure. Currently, there are more than 400 DDAP-licensed recovery houses in Pennsylvania. Recovery houses can find more information regarding the licensure application process on the DDAP website. Drug and alcohol recovery houses are required to be licensed in order to receive referrals from state agencies or state-funded facilities or to receive federal or state funding to deliver recovery house services.
Today’s visit is a continuation of stops planned for "DDAP on the Move: Your Voice, Your Community," the next phase of an ongoing statewide engagement tour and commitment by the Department to hear firsthand from those providing and receiving SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
In addition, Secretary Davis-Jones joined the Delaware County Department of Human Services Office of Drug and Alcohol, the county’s drug and alcohol office also known as the Single County Authority (SCA), at the S.T.A.R. – Screening, Triage, Assessment, and Referral – Center, the region’s first and only 24/7 behavioral health urgent care center.
Through a DDAP-funded $3 million two-year grant awarded to the SCA, MVP Recovery launched the S.T.A.R. Center in 2024 to provide immediate stabilization and connection to care for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises. Since opening its doors, the S.T.A.R. Center has quickly become an essential access point in the region’s behavioral health system.
Within the last year, the S.T.A.R. Center has:
- Served 240 individuals in crisis;
- Linked 91 percent of those individuals directly to treatment; and
- Diverted individuals from hospital emergency rooms, leading to an estimated $403,000 in healthcare cost savings.
“The Delaware County SCA has identified a need to implement additional services within County borders to offer a higher level of support for residents with substance use disorder and/or co-occurring mental health symptoms needing access to walk-in behavioral health stabilization services. The S.T.A.R. Center has enhanced the SCA’s comprehensive array of services throughout the continuum of care,” said Pamela Bell, Drug and Alcohol Administrator, Delaware County Department of Human Services. “Recently, with the closure of Prospect Medical Holdings Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, the S.T.A.R. Center has become even more essential in ensuring individuals have continued access to these services. These services would not be possible without the support from the grant funding awarded to the SCA by DDAP and continued collaborative partnerships with our state, county, and provider partners.”
Future visits will cover Clearfield and Jefferson counties, as well as Greene, Chester, and Bucks counties.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts in combating the overdose crisis at ddap.pa.gov.
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