New Castle, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Aging (PDA) announced the launch of the Shapiro Administration’s new initiative to help lower the number of fatal overdoses in older adults in Pennsylvania – a number that has increased over the past few years.

The agencies are implementing an evidence-based substance use prevention and wellness program called the Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) across four counties with some of the highest rates of overdoses for Pennsylvanians 55 and older.

Based on a number of criteria, including the rates of overdoses, the Shapiro Administration is piloting the program with area agencies on aging (AAA) in four counties throughout 2026: Berks, Chester, Lawrence, and Lehigh counties. During this pilot period, the Shapiro Administration estimates more than 100 older adults will attend WISE sessions in their respective county.

“Lawrence County has historically had one of the highest overdose rates in Pennsylvania, and we are seeing this concern increase among older adults,” said Lawrence County Area Agency on Aging Administrator Amy Cervone. “WISE helps older adults better understand how the body changes with age and how prescription and non-prescription medications can affect health, safety, and overall well-being. Many older adults in our community have questions about medication impacts and side effects. Through this program, participants will gain practical tools to make positive life choices and feel more in control of their lives.”

Read the full article (pa.gov)

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