History
PRO•A Proudly Celebrates 20+ Years in Service to the Recovery Community!
History
The Background of Our Organization
The public hears daily about the “War on Drugs”, restrictions on accessing insurance benefits for treatment through managed care companies, and the number of arrests for alcohol and other drug infractions. The cost of substance use to business and society is estimated at over $246 billion. The effects of substance use, beyond the dollar cost, impact 20 million individuals, their significant others and family members.
PRO•A was established in 1998 to give a voice and focal point to the statewide recovery community in Pennsylvania; our office is located in Harrisburg, the state’s capital. PRO•A works with regional organizations to develop a statewide organizational structure and identify recovery groups throughout the state to work together on behalf of the recovery community. Through this organization, members can join together to support quality services, combat stigma and discrimination associated with addiction and represent the unique perspective of the recovery community in Pennsylvania.
PRO•A believes the potential exists to involve even greater segments of the recovery community living in this expansive, culturally diverse state. Through involvement in the public dialogue about addiction, treatment and recovery, there is an opportunity to significantly impact the policies, systems and services to better meet the needs of Pennsylvanians.
The PRO•A staff and Board of Directors have developed statewide goals and objectives that reflect the needs of identified regions; encourage and facilitate outreach, education and membership development; publish quarterly newsletter; conduct advocacy on the state level; monitor activities and budgets of state and county government agencies that coordinate services for substance and alcohol use disorders; encourage coordination of local, state and national advocacy efforts and support growth through the development of regional affiliates.