HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Nearly one year after Gov. Tom Wolf launched a toll-free hotline for addicts to get help, officials say it’s been a success in getting those seeking help into treatment.
Since launching in November, the hotline has seen more than 15,500 calls.
About 50 percent of the calls have resulted in a direct connection to treatment.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs says callers have ranged from people seeking detox facilities to looking for help in order to avoid a recovery relapse.
“About a third of the individuals that work as call center agents at our hotline are certified recovery specialists, which means they have lived experience,” DDAP Acting Secretary Jennifer Smith said. “These are individuals who really know what it’s like to suffer from addiction.”
Anyone looking for help can call the statewide toll-free hotline at 1-800-622-HELP. Calls are answered 24/7.Get breaking news, weather and traffic on the go. Download our News App and our Weather App for your phone and tablet.