Shapiro Administration's Warm Handoff Program Has Connected Nearly 68,000 Pennsylvanians with Treatment Services

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August 04, 2026 - Lancaster, PA

Shapiro Administration's Warm Handoff Program Has Connected Nearly 68,000 Pennsylvanians with Treatment Services

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones announces the Shapiro Administration's Warm Handoff Program has connected nearly 68,000 Pennsylvanians with treatment and recovery supports immediately following an overdose or substance use crisis.

Right after an overdose survivor leaves the emergency department, there is often a high risk of a repeat overdose. The goal of DDAP's warm handoff program is to reduce that risk by providing a referral which directly transfers overdose survivors from a hospital emergency department to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and resources.

"We're talking about expedient, appropriate, and seamless care for individuals who have overdosed - this is where the Shapiro Administration's warm handoff program comes into play," said Secretary Davis-Jones. "Providing door-to-door referrals, appropriate resources, and showing compassion at such a critical time can make all the difference in saving lives and leading individuals on a path to recovery."

Speakers in Order:
Tracey Lavallias - Behavioral Health Service Line Executive Director, Lancaster General Hospital
Dr. Latika Davis-Jones - Secretary, PA Dept. of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)
Dr. Kristi Dively - Addiction Medicine Physician, Lancaster General Hospital
Benjamin McCoy - CEO, Blueprints for Addiction Recovery
Justin Dettinger - Overdose survivor and Blueprints Director of Specialty Programs
Caroline Barnhart, LCSW - Behavioral Health Service Line Director, Lancaster General Hospital

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