PA College Students Create Mobile Website to Improve Access to Addiction Resources

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) today launched a new mobile website aimed at improving access for those in need of drug and alcohol addiction help.

"One in four families struggle with a loved one's addiction and far too often, they feel helpless and they don't' know where to turn," said DDAP Acting Secretary Gary Tennis. "Having a mobile site will provide them with user-friendly access and connect them to the help they need."

The new site, available at www.ddap.pa.gov/GetHelpNow, replaces and improves upon the 'Get Help Now' resources previously available on the DDAP website. The new site is designed to be mobile device-friendly, and uses mapping features to view treatment resources based on a location, place a phone call and look up driving directions, all with a few simple clicks. It also contains resources for gambling addiction and locations of unused prescription drug drop-off sites.

The 'Get Help Now' mobile website also features a new section to help users understand treatment options available through their health insurance provider and county drug and alcohol offices.

At the event today, the new mobile website was unveiled by its creators, Brad Bell, Sara Forry and Christopher Mumma, three Harrisburg Area Community College students who participated in the commonwealth's MobilePA Challenge, as well as their professor, Eric Yoxheimer.

The MobilePA Challenge, an initiative of the Governor's Office of Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME), partners state agencies with students and faculty from Pennsylvania colleges and universities to collaborate on mobile projects.

Over the course of a semester, students work with the agencies on the project. Students are expected to present fresh ideas and develop prototypes of mobile applications based on the needs of the agency. At the end of the semester, students present their final projects and share their work products with the agency.

"The great thing about the MobilePA Challenge is that everyone benefits," said Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich. "State agencies gain access to the talent and creativity from Pennsylvania's best and brightest students. The universities are able to deliver real-life lessons and experiences through the classroom. The students have the opportunity to burnish their resumes, be recognized for their work on the project, and be exposed to state government as a potential employer. And most importantly, Pennsylvanians can now access these important resources through a familiar, efficient and convenient platform."

For more information, visit www.ddap.pa.gov/GetHelpNow.

Media contact: Carey Miller (DDAP), 717-547-3314
Dan Egan (OA), 717-772-4237

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs