In crisis right now?Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). For overdose or a medical emergency, call 911.
FAITH-BASED TOOLKIT
Faith communities are often the first call. This toolkit helps you be ready.
The PA Stop Faith-Based Toolkit gives faith leaders and community organizations the information they need to support congregation members dealing with substance misuse, treatment, and recovery.
Would your congregation know what to do in the first five minutes of an overdose?
A page of real phrases: what helps when someone opens up about addiction, and what shuts them down.
Learn how Pennsylvania’s Good Samaritan Law protects you and your congregation when you call 911
Why Faith-Based Organizations ?
Faith-based organizations can play an important role in substance use disorder prevention and recovery because they often foster spirituality, social connectedness, and supportive community networks. Higher levels of spirituality were consistently associated with a significantly reduced risk of hazardous alcohol and other drug use over time. (Koh et al., 2026)
- Trusted, credible, and have personal relationships within the communities they serve
- Responsive to emergent community needs and able to customize programs and services
- Cultural cornerstones within the community
- Located in the community and can reach underserved individuals whose needs might not be met
What's inside the toolkit
Crisis resources — 988, naloxone access, Pennsylvania’s Good Samaritan Law
Pennsylvania’s drug and alcohol systems — DDAP, your county SCA, local coalitions
Understanding addiction and fentanyl risk
What faith communities can do — training, support, and practical next steps
What to say, and what to avoid — a conversation guide for faith leaders
Free to download, print, and share
With your congregation and community partners
Partnership Context & Cross-Links
Working together to reduce stigma and support recovery
When faith-based organizations and community agencies work together, families and individuals get more complete support. The Commonwealth Prevention Alliance has led the PA Stop campaign in Pennsylvania, providing resources, media materials, and connections to help communities address substance misuse.
The Commonwealth Prevention Alliance has led the PA Stop campaign in Pennsylvania, providing resources, media materials, and connections to help communities address substance misuse. The Faith-Based Toolkit is one part of that broader network of support.