The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has launched “In Our Town,” a new community engagement initiative designed to combat the stigma surrounding substance use disorder (SUD). Running through May 31, 2026, the campaign encourages residents across the commonwealth to record and share video messages on social media detailing their personal recovery journeys or offering support to neighbors. By elevating real, everyday moments of care and connection, the initiative aims to reinforce the message that recovery is not only achievable but actively sustained within local neighborhoods.

The initiative is a key component of the Shapiro Administration’s broader, research-driven “Life Unites Us” campaign. This extensive anti-stigma effort is a collaborative partnership between DDAP, Penn State Harrisburg’s Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research, Shatterproof, and The Public Good Projects (PGP). By utilizing a people-forward approach, the campaign leverages digital platforms to amplify the voices of individuals in recovery, their family members, and community allies, fostering environments where compassion replaces judgment.

To reinforce these grassroots efforts, the administration has backed the initiative with a $100,000 investment distributed to community-based organizations across 10 Pennsylvania counties, including Fayette, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. These localized funds are dedicated to expanding evidence-based treatment knowledge, increasing public comfort with overdose response tools, and providing dedicated recovery resources to specific populations, such as the LGBTQ community. Participating organizations are integrated into the “In Our Town” framework to maximize local outreach and engagement.

Data from the “Life Unites Us” campaign demonstrates a measurable shift in public perception, with stigma-related messaging reaching nearly two million individuals statewide over the past year. Surveys indicate that exposure to these stories has successfully increased awareness of opioid use disorder (OUD) stigma, improved public willingness to distribute and utilize naloxone, and fostered more favorable attitudes toward medication-assisted treatment. Pennsylvanians can participate by sharing their insights using the hashtag #InOurTown and interacting with campaign content across major social media platforms.

Find more from Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (USA, May 2026)