Substance use disorder continues to impact individuals, families, and communities across Pennsylvania. While we’ve made important progress in treatment and prevention, outdated language in our laws continues to reinforce harmful misconceptions, and too often, it stands in the way of people accessing the support they need.

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) plays a central role in the Commonwealth’s response to the substance use crisis. To truly support individuals in recovery, the department’s statutory language must reflect current, evidence-based understandings of substance use disorder as a chronic but treatable medical condition – one that people can and do recover from with the right care and resources.

That’s why I’ve worked with DDAP to introduce legislation that updates the language defining the department’s duties under the Administrative Code of 1929. This bill replaces outdated and stigmatizing terminology with recovery-oriented language that promotes dignity, respect, and greater access to care.

I invite you to join me as a co-sponsor of this legislation to help ensure that Pennsylvania’s laws reflect a compassionate, recovery-focused approach to substance use disorder.