The Get Help Now campaign is a statewide effort in Pennsylvania (USA) to make sure no one has to face substance use challenges alone. It promotes the Get Help Now helpline, which offers free, confidential support around the clock for anyone concerned about drug or alcohol use, whether for themselves or someone they care about. People can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text 717-216-0905, or use live chat at pa.gov/gethelp to connect with support at any time. The campaign reinforces that recovery is possible and that help is always available for every Pennsylvanian who needs it.

Contacts to the helpline are answered by trained specialists, often people in long term recovery, who listen without judgment and help callers understand their options. They can connect people to local drug and alcohol offices, help those who are uninsured or underinsured access care, and make warm introductions to treatment providers so callers do not have to navigate the system alone. The campaign focuses on key groups who face high barriers and stigma, including Black men, older adults over 65 (especially where alcohol is involved), and pregnant or postpartum women, while still carrying a universal message that help is for everyone. Chat and text are always handled by a real person, not a bot, which reinforces trust and human connection.

To bring this message to life, Get Help Now partners with Pennsylvanians who know recovery and seeking help from the inside. One is Kellen Matthews-Thompson, a Philadelphian, distance runner, founder of Recovery Run Club, and a person in recovery whose story shows how treatment, running, and community became central to rebuilding his life. Another is Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson, who has spoken openly about his mental health journey and uses his platform to show that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Their stories carry a simple message across the Commonwealth: do not give up on yourself or the people you love, because hope is real and help is here.

The campaign toolkit makes it easy for any organization to share this message. It includes ready to use social media graphics and videos, suggested captions, newsletter and email copy, print pieces such as posters, messaging guidance, and influencer content that can be used in clinics, hospitals, community events, websites, blogs, and staff or partner communications. Materials highlight both drug and alcohol support, including resources tailored to older adults and to people who are pregnant or postpartum. By sharing helpline information, displaying posters, and using the campaign content in local communication channels, partners can help someone take the first step toward recovery and ensure more Pennsylvanians know that support is only a call, text, or chat away.

Find more from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (USA, November 2025)