AG Sunday joins Washington County leaders to target addiction solutions
Thursday’s Road to Recovery Symposium focused on “collaboration” to better provide help.
For the MVI
Washington County is looking toward a stronger, more unified future in the fight against addiction following its second annual Road to Recovery Symposium, held Thursday at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.
The event brought together nearly 150 professionals, advocates and community members from across the county, many of whom work directly in the opioid response field or have been personally affected by the epidemic.
“The goal was to bring our providers together,” said Tiffany Milovac, deputy director of human services for Washington County. “We have all the services people need, but accessing them can be a challenge. We want to foster an environment of collaboration and shared solutions.”
This year’s symposium focused on four critical areas identified as ongoing service gaps: the criminal justice system, youth prevention, treatment and pathways to recovery.
“There is a significant drug and alcohol issue, not just in Washington County, but across the region,” said Washington County Commission Vice Chair Electra Janis. “We’re committed to using opioid settlement funds and other resources to ensure people have access to the care they deserve.”
Following the presentation, attendees took part in breakout sessions to brainstorm solutions for closing service gaps. These solutions will help inform county priorities when the next round of opioid settlement funding becomes available.
“As a former law enforcement officer, I saw up close the devastating effects of substance addiction,” Commissioner Larry Maggi said, referring to his years as a Pennsylvania state trooper and Washington County sheriff. “Events like this are an important tool in combating this long-term epidemic.”
The keynote address was delivered by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, who previously led York County’s response to the opioid epidemic as district attorney.
“It was my honor to join the community leaders making recovery more than a concept — it’s a reality we see every day in Western Pennsylvania,” Sunday said. “When stakeholders come together to improve the well-being of families and communities, anything is possible.”
The county also honored the legacy of late Washington County District Attorney Eugene Vittone, a dedicated champion in the fight against addiction. In his memory, the county created the Washington County Eugene Vittone Excellence in Recovery Award, which will be awarded annually at the symposium.
“I thank Washington County for commemorating my friend and former colleague Eugene Vittone with this award,” Sunday said. “He was a trail blazer, and I am committed to continuing the work we started together.”
Sunday worked closely with Vittone in opioid initiatives.
“Moving forward, annually, we will be honoring an individual who has worked tirelessly to help our community fight drug and alcohol addiction,” Commission Chairman Nick Sherman said. “This year’s recipient being AG Sunday is fitting because of the work that he alongside DA Vittone. The first time I met the AG, we talked about that work and how he wants to pursue more epidemic projects statewide. This award serves as a reminder of the work that is yet to be done.”
Washington County receives a minimum of $800,000 annually through national opioid settlement funds. Funding applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and a new wave of funding will be distributed in 2026. County leaders plan to use the insights and feedback gathered at this year’s symposium to help guide the next round of investment decisions.
