We are pleased to announce that Chester County has been approved as a Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program Recognized Entity (POPP)!

POPP was established in August 2023 as a joint initiative between the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). This program was designed to ensure naloxone and drug checking equipment is available to anyone who may need it. By creating a network of POPP recognized entities across the state, the goal is to enhance community-based distribution and harm reduction efforts particularly in those individuals with the greatest risk of experiencing overdose.

As a registered entity, this enables Chester County to obtain Naloxone as well as drug checking strips designed to detect xylazine and fentanyl at no cost to the County. This also enables us to focus on reaching individuals with the greatest risk of experiencing overdose in our community. These include, but are not limited to, the following populations:

• People who are currently using substances

• People who know someone currently using substances

• Justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders, including people who were recently incarcerated.