Twenty-five new centers aimed at treating opioid addiction are opening across the state.
Gov. Tom Wolf
The centers, called Centers of Excellence, will be implemented by the Wolf Administration throughout the state by Jan. 1, 2017, according to the governor’s press office.
The centers will offer treatment to Pennsylvanians with opioid-related substance use disorder. About 5,600 more people will be helped through connection to the centers, the governor’s office said.
The centers closest to Venango County include one in Butler and Erie counties and three in Pittsburgh.
“As we all know, the opioid epidemic does not discriminate it affects Pennsylvanians from all walks of life,” said Gov. Tom Wolf in a press release.
“With these additional locations, my administration is continuing its commitment to expanding high-quality treatment across Pennsylvania.”
The new centers feature a team-based treatment model for drug addiction that integrates behavioral health and primary care and, when appropriate, evidence-based medication assisted treatment, the governor’s office said.
“Adding the 25 new locations brings the total number of COEs to 45,” said Ted Dallas, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The Department’s goal is to provide all Pennsylvanians with treatment that addresses not only their substance use disorder but also the underlying physical and behavioral health issues that often fuel that are at the root of their addiction,” Dallas said in the release.
Funding for the centers comes from $20.4 million in state and federal dollars.
