November 16, 2022 - Harrisburg, PA
Today, the Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Human Services (DHS), and Aging (PDA) highlighted available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discussed the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. "We know that the overdose epidemic and substance use disorder has impacted Pennsylvanians of all ages, races, and demographics, touching nearly every family. For some, it has resulted in grandparents assuming the role of parents once again due to their child participating in a substance use treatment program, incarceration, or worst-case scenario, loss of life to an overdose," said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. "Having the right resources available to help both grandparents and grandchildren alike who are in this situation is vitally important."Speakers IncludeSecretary Jen Smith - Dept. of Drug and Alcohol ProgramsDenise Shanahan - Grandmother raising grandchildrenSecretary Robert Torres - Dept. of AgingDeputy Secretary Jon Rubin - Dept. of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth, and FamiliesRep. Eddie Day Pashinski - Luzerne County