Save a Life Day 2026
On September 24th, the Erie County Department of Drug and Alcohol Abuse collaborated with UPMC Safe Harbor and UPMC Hamot to distribute Narcan overdose kits and other harm reduction related items. The team, stationed in a high foot traffic area of UPMC Hamot, handed out over 150 overdose kits. Various harm reduction supplies were also given out to anyone who wanted/needed more tools. Click on the picture below to learn more about Save a Life Day!
National Recovery Month Celebration
The Erie County Department of Drug and Alcohol Abuse hosted a recovery celebration in the community for National Recovery Month. The event was hosted at the Booker T. Washington Center in collaboration with drug and alcohol providers. More than 30 agencies had resources available at the event. Certified Recovery Specialists were featured as guest speakers who spoke about their lived experience and recovery journeys. The Susan P. Esper and Lighthouse Recovery Champion awards were awarded to two CRSs in the community for their hard work and dedication. Food from Dee's Delicatessen and live music from a local community member were also provided to attendees. There was no shortage of support and community caring at the Booker T. Washington Center on September 18th! Click the links below to see the news coverage of this event!
County Executive Christina Vogel read a proclamation declaring September as Recovery Month in Erie County, recognizing the strength of those in recovery and the importance of community support. #Recoveryisreal #Recoveryispossible
In The News
International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31st
On August 31st, 2026, the Erie County Department of Drug and Alcohol Abuse brought together drug and alcohol providers, community partners, and local advocates working to support the individuals who are in their recovery journey. Scott Coughenour, the newly appointed head of the Erie County Department of Human Services spoke to recognize the importance of recovery, hope, and community support for those who in active addiction and recovery. The event was held in collaboration with Stairways Behavioral Heath, Highmark Caring Place, Taylor's HOPE, Lake Erie Youth R.O.A.D. Crew, Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and Broken Hearts.
Click here to see Erie County, Pennsylvania's Facebook Post about this event.
The Erie County Executive declared August 31st as National Recovery Awareness Day. The City of Erie's Mayor, Daria Devlin, also spoke at this event to show support for the community.
#Recoveryisreal #Recoveryispossible
Cliff Crosby Youth Football Camp -
Offering skills and development to the young people of Erie County
The Cliff Crosby Football Camp was held on July 17th and 18th, with the Regional Recovery Hub a proud collaborator in this anticipated event. Not only did the attendees receive football skill development from a local legend, they also benefitted from a camp that aims to empower local youth and emphasize the importance of personal growth both on and off the field. The kids learned about drug and alcohol prevention, attended educational enrichment sessions, and the importance of teamwork during this two-day extravaganza. Click on the video to watch a bit of what makes this annual camp so special!
ROCK FOR RECOVERY -
Celebrating Together with Music, Art, Food, and Community
The Erie County Regional Recovery Hub hosted a one-of-a-kind recovery community celebration on May 23rd, 2026. The Rock for Recovery celebration was held at 1020 Collaborative in Downtown Erie, and even the steady monsoon-like rains through the day couldn't keep the crowd away and the good times from stopping! Almost 300 people registered for the event which included music by Colicchie, Tyler Smilo, and Matt Crays. Local poet Mabel Howard recited her works and was joined by others in recovery who recited their poetic scribes to those who came out. Additionally, guests were able to view art work focused on this event submitted by young and old alike, while also engaging in various hands-on activities. Mocktails and food were supplied for guests, who left the evening with full stomachs and full souls. Click through the photos for a glimpse of what the night offered.
For a bit more insight into this fantastic event, check out what local publication Erie Reader had to say!
https://www.eriereader.com/article/recovery-takes-center-stage-during-local-celebration-of-hope
Making an Impact in our Community's Kids: Youth Summit 2026
The first ever Youth Summit in Erie County was hosted by the Regional Recovery Hub on December 16th, 2026. Over 100 school aged children from across the county were in attendance as well as multiple agencies who provided information and resources to everyone. The event was headlined by Brandon Wiley of Opened Eyes who spoke to the youth about what they can do to lead a positive, drug-free life. Attendees also heard from Theresa Laird of Coalition Pathways and other speakers. The youth participated in group activities as a well as an assignment to visit provider tables and earn chances for prizes. Click on the following link to see what the attendees thought of the even! https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rcthssq8n1jc5dsdsqnhl/leadership-vid-05-2026-5-06-41-PM.mov?rlkey=6za7nsmrg6905n5hjyq38gp9y&st=zpcc2q68&dl=0
Erie County RRH Hosts first Diversity Roundtable Focused on Recovery!
Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Culture, ethnicity, gender, and other factors influence how a person takes steps in their journey from addiction. On Friday November 22, 2024, the Erie County RRH hosted a panel of presenters who discussed the importance of taking diversity and inclusion into account when offering recovery services. This meeting was the first step in the formation of a Recovery Equity Coalition in the county.
Reentry Exercise Simulates Life for the Formerly Incarcerated
Those coming back home from incarceration face many challenges. The struggles to find employment, housing, and healthcare, as well as reconnect with family are just a few of the issues they must face. Many of the formerly incarcerated also face mental health and addictions issues. On July 30, 2024, the Regional Recovery Hub partnered with the Erie PA Offices of PA Parole to offer a Reentry Simulation. Held at Mercyhurst University's Ryan Hall, approximately 60 individuals participated in exercises designed to give an idea of how this transition poses many challenges.
DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones Celebrates RECOVERY IN NATURE at our very own Presque Isle!!!
National Recovery Month kicked off with a special guest in Erie! On September 19, 2024, Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones joined the Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, elected officials, and Erie County residents in recovery from substance use disorder. Secretary Davis-Jones and the Region 3 Recovery Hub joined individuals in recovery at Presque Isle State Park for ‘Recovery in Nature’ hiking and kayaking excursions. The featured trail, Graveyard Pond Trail, is a three-quarter mile out-and-back-trail that follows the shoreline along Graveyard Pond. Recovery in Nature is a Shapiro Administration initiative designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature - particularly for individuals in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) - and encourage all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of trails and waterways across the Commonwealth.
Our FIRST Recovery Celebration and Walk
On June 23, 2024, the Erie County Regional Recovery Hub hosted their first annual Recovery Celebration and Walk. With a great turnout, the local recovery community joined together to acknowledge the fights that our loved ones face every day. Thumb through the slide show below to see some of the pictures of this wonderful event.
