Pittsburgh secures $1.875M grant for new substance use diversion center

The Pittsburgh City Council Standing Committees meeting held on March 12, 2025, focused on a significant grant proposal aimed at enhancing community health and safety services in the city. The meeting began with a presentation detailing the city's successful application for a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), which will provide $1.875 million over two and a half years to support various initiatives.

The grant is intended to address the pressing issue of substance use and overdose rates in Pittsburgh, particularly in light of the ongoing opioid crisis. The city is one of only two recipients from Allegheny County, highlighting its commitment to improving public health responses. The proposed plan includes the establishment of a diversion center that will operate from 8 AM to 11:30 PM, providing essential services such as de-escalation, harm reduction, and basic needs support for individuals in crisis.

Key features of the diversion center include staffing by crisis clinicians, nurses, and outreach personnel, all aimed at providing immediate assistance to those in need. The center will be strategically located at 611 Second Avenue, a site chosen for its accessibility and potential to serve the entire city. The council discussed the importance of this facility in alleviating pressure on emergency services, as many individuals currently have limited options after hours, often leading to unnecessary hospitalizations or arrests.

Council members expressed their support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for timely implementation and the potential for future funding opportunities. The grant will primarily cover personnel costs, with additional provisions for basic supplies and facility renovations. The council anticipates that the hiring process will begin promptly upon approval of the grant, with hopes to have the center operational by the second or third quarter of 2025.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city’s proactive approach to addressing substance use issues through enhanced community health services. The establishment of the diversion center represents a significant step forward in providing comprehensive support to vulnerable populations in Pittsburgh. Further discussions will continue as the city moves towards finalizing the grant agreement and preparing for the center's launch.