West Chester, Pa (September 1, 2026) – To raise awareness of substance use disorder and remind residents that recovery is possible and help is available, State Senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane are introducing legislation to establish a “Recovery Works” specialty license plate in Pennsylvania.
Proceeds from sales of specialty plates would benefit the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A), a statewide non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery and educating the public on addiction and recovery.
Comitta and Kane said they came up with the idea for the license plate through conversations with advocates and organizations in the recovery community, including PRO-A and the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.
“As we mark National Recovery Month, this is a simple way that we can send the message to people and families dealing with substance abuse and addiction that ‘you are not alone.’ Thousands of Pennsylvanians are facing the same battle and many are leading happy, healthy, and productive lives in recovery thanks to the many resources, organizations, and treatment programs available,” Comitta said.
“One of the most powerful parts of recovery is knowing you are not in it alone,” said Senator John I. Kane. “Throughout my own recovery journey, it was the connections and relationships that gave me the hope to make it through one more day. Every single day, someone out there is searching for a sign; a sign that recovery is possible, a sign that they are worth saving, a sign that they are not alone. These specialty license plates will be that sign for so many. They will raise awareness, reduce stigma, and offer hope to anyone who needs that simple and life changing reminder to keep going.”
About 16 percent of Pennsylvanians aged 12 and older – roughly 1 in 6 residents or nearly 2 million people – struggled with a substance use disorder over the past year, according to data complied by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Meanwhile, more than one million Pennsylvanians are living in long-term recovery, and thousands receive treatment each year in the Commonwealth’s 450 licensed recovery homes.
“The license plate initiative is important for making recovery visible and accessible in our communities,” said Bill Stauffer, Executive Director of PRO-A.
Sales of the specialty plates would support PRO-A in strengthening recovery support services, expanding public education, leadership development, advocacy, and technical assistance, and promoting innovative programs for recovery organizations across the Commonwealth.
“Prevention happens, treatment works, and recovery is possible,” said Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.
If you or someone you know is interested in accessing treatment for addiction or substance abuse, call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It’s available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and staffed by trained professionals.
A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.
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