Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

06/24/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Shapiro Administration Launches New Initiative to Lower Number of Fatal Overdoses Among PA's Older Adults

June 24, 2026 - New Castle, PA

Shapiro Administration Launches New Initiative to Lower Number of Fatal Overdoses Among PA's Older Adults

The Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Aging (PDA) announced the launch of the Shapiro Administration's new initiative to help lower the number of fatal overdoses in older adults in Pennsylvania - a number that has increased over the past few years.

The agencies are implementing an evidence-based substance use prevention and wellness program called the Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) across four counties with some of the highest rates of overdoses for Pennsylvanians 55 and older.

Funding to implement the WISE initiative is provided from the "Big Four" opioid settlement, which was the result of a multistate investigation of opioid manufacturers and distributors spearheaded by Governor Josh Shapiro when he was Attorney General. 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 substance use disorders (SUD), most of which goes directly to Pennsylvania counties to meet local needs.

"The WISE program reflects the Shapiro Administration's shared commitment to health equity, improving health outcomes, and working together to better the lives of Pennsylvania's older adults," said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. "Meeting people where they are is a cornerstone of our prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Partnering with local organizations and integrating this initiative into trusted systems already in place is key to providing effective, accessible prevention."

Speakers Include:
Lawrence County AAA Administrator Amy Cervone
DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones
Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich
Reverend Robert Fuller






Commonwealth of Pennsylvania published this content on June 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 02, 2026 at 04:37 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]