By monitoring the changes and trends in substance abuse in the city, CODAAP coordinates and evaluates substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation programs to meet changing needs. CODAAP coordinates its efforts with other systems such as Community Behavioral Health (CBH), Medicare and managed health care systems. CODAAP currently provides help to over 17,000 Philadelphians annually through its contract services with over 90 agencies for a variety of programs including education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Recently, the Department of Public Health created two new residential programs through CODAAP and CBH for individuals dually diagnosed with mental illnesses and substance addictions. Seven new recovery houses were created for individuals enrolled in substance abuse treatment who require the supports of a safe and secure living arrangement to stay in treatment.

CODAAP, in partnership with the criminal justice system, is responsible with the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania for several justice treatment initiatives including FIR. Such initiatives are essential to the City's efforts to control the prison population through early parole and direct diversion into treatment programs. Their mission is to enhance community safety by providing substance abuse treatment and related services under criminal justice supervision as an alternative to incarceration. The programs' long-term goal is to reduce the rate of repeat criminal behavior that is due to substance abuse.

One of the many agencies that receive funding through CODAAP is Horizon House. Its mission is to help persons with disabilities, substance abuse problems and those who are homeless to live as productively and independently as possible. Horizon House's residential, vocational and educational programs serve more than 2,000 individuals.

Many of Project PRIDE's anti-drug education activities are sponsored by CODAAP. Such activities include poster art and creative writing contests held for students in the Philadelphia School District, WEE Care and community centers. In 1999, the theme of the creative writing contest was "Imagine a World Without Drugs". Entries from over 400 students included essays, stories and poems. This book is a collection of some of the prize-winning reflections.

CODAAP provides funds that assist Project H.O.M.E. in its efforts to help individuals in Philadelphia break their cycle of homelessness and poverty. Project H.O.M.E.'s work includes coordinating street outreach, operating supportive housing for single adults, offering educational programs, providing affordable home ownership opportunities, and running three businesses staffed by formerly homeless persons.

CODAAP channels funds to approximately 100 Philadelphia sites that provide programs for substance abuse education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The brochures, annual reports and newsletters presented here reflect the large scope of services that receive funding through CODAAP to fulfil its mission.

NOTE: The Coordinating Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs is now a part of the newly formed independent Department of Behavioral Health.