Highlighting the Work of Our Center of Excellence for Opioid Use Disorder

By
Pathways to Housing PA
two people from the waist down on a stoop, with a sharps container between them

The opioid crisis nationwide, and in our city, remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. We know that accessible, integrated care centered around harm reduction is essential to supporting recovery and saving lives. The Center of Excellence for Opioid Use Disorder (COE) at Pathways to Housing PA is a key resource for individuals navigating opioid use disorder (OUD) in Philadelphia. Through partnerships with Prevention Point Philadelphia and Project HOME's Stephen Klein Wellness Center, the COE uses a community-driven approach to ensure that participants receive the care and support they need.

Pathways’ COE is one of the only non-hospital-based facilities of its kind in the region, offering a unique, community-centered model of care. The program provides essential services such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), recovery support, and benefits coordination. To date, the COE has supported over 230 participants and provided MAT to more than 335 individuals. By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, the COE helps participants work toward greater stability and well-being.

Harm reduction is at the core of our Center of Excellence’s (COE) approach. This philosophy prioritizes meeting individuals where they are in their recovery journeys, with a focus on safety, dignity, and practical steps to reduce risk associated with substance use. The COE integrates harm reduction principles into every aspect of its work—from offering MAT to connecting participants with life-saving services like syringe exchange and overdose prevention training. Many individuals navigating OUD also face co-occurring mental health conditions or other challenges. The COE provides wraparound care to address these complex needs, connecting participants to physical healthcare, housing resources, and community support. 

The Center of Excellence for Opioid Use Disorder is here to support Philadelphia residents, offering compassionate, comprehensive support to those navigating OUD. These services are available to any Philadelphia resident with an OUD diagnosis, reflecting Pathways’ commitment to advancing harm reduction and integrated care. As we look to the future, we are committed to fostering a community approach that prioritizes evidence-based care over punitive responses, emphasizing practical solutions to address substance use disorders.

Your support makes this work possible. Please donate today to join us in our efforts to provide compassionate, effective care.

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