Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Program Licensure
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Secretary Jennifer Smith has worked tirelessly to ensure that fighting the opioid crisis remains a priority on the federal, state, and local levels. In her short time as Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Program Licensure, Secretary Smith has brought about tremendous change. Secretary Smith changed all department manuals to mandate medication assisted treatment (MAT) as part of all levels of care. Secretary Smith also held and was a part of several MAT regional summits around the state, creating much needed awareness of MAT. Secretary Smith has led collaborations with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to release guidelines and protocols for “warm handoffs” that help overdose survivors transition into substance use disorder treatment, and award Pennsylvania’s Coordinated Medication Assisted Treatment Centers to expand access to MAT to uninsured, underinsured, and privately insured individuals.
Secretary Smith brought significant growth in outpatient capacity and increased support of the bridge model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Smith spearheaded bringing naloxone to treatment programs across Pennsylvania. Secretary Smith also worked to expand MAT in corrections/county jails and implemented Center of Excellence (COEs) across the Commonwealth. Secretary Smith also increased Anti-Stigma Campaigns during her 6-year tenor as Secretary.
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM