Recovery Works!
The mission of Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services is to ensure that quality alcohol and other drug intervention and treatment, as well as alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention programs are provided for citizens in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
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Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services Recognizes:
Recovery Month
The 2021 theme for Recovery Month is:
RECOVERY IS FOR EVERYONE-
EVERY PERSON, EVERY FAMILY, EVERY COMMUNITY
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Every year, the month of September is nationally recognized as Recovery Month. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors Recovery Month in order to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, and also to celebrate those in recovery.
Although this year may look a little different in terms of events, the connection is still strong.
Chester County's Department of Drug and Alcohol Services will be participating in Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of substance use disorders throughout the month of September, and we invite your organization to do the same!
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There are downloadable materials for Recovery Month which
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Chester County Sends Message of HOPE on International Overdose Awareness Day |
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Chester County concluded International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, with a message of HOPE, illuminated on the steps of the Historic Courthouse in West Chester, during its Night of Light event.
On Tuesday, Chester County joined communities around the world to encourage residents, businesses and organizations to raise awareness of the effects of opioid addiction, and reduce the stigma surrounding overdoses and drug-related deaths. Importantly, the County focused on remembering the lives of those lost to overdose, and acknowledged the grief felt by families and friends who have lost a loved one.
“This year, we are taking time to remember those that we have tragically lost to substance use disorders, and also bring a message of hope to those working toward long-term recovery, including family and friends who are supporting them,” said Vince Brown, Executive Director of the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.
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Local Recovery Month Events |
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Creative Recovery
Join Be a Part of the Conversation in exploring creative ways to enhance, celebrate or deepen our recovery! If substance use disorder has impacted you or someone you love, join them to discover the countless paths that exist to find meaning in the journey of recovery.
Creative Recovery is a series of programs and workshops that will feature a variety of creative recovery topics.
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The Keys to
Family Recovery
As family members who love someone with a substance use disorder (addiction), many of us have experienced pain, frustration, fear, or trauma. We often isolate because of stigma and because others simply don’t understand this disease or the associated behaviors.
We’ll be joined by Rick Shugart, MFT, along with family members who have been impacted by addiction as we explore the family disease and learn healthy strategies for healing.
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Virtual Event
7:00pm-8:30pm
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Virtual Community Naloxone Training
Join Chester County Hospital, Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services and Good Fellowship EMS to learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose and how to access treatment in Chester County. All attendees will also learn how to use life-saving Narcan® (naloxone) nasal spray.
Free Narcan® will be made available for pickup by participants.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
6:00 - 7:30 PM
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September is National Suicide Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. The Department of Drug and Alcohol Services would like to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. The state has created a resource website, click here for Prevent Suicide PA.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has compiled several resources which can be found below.
Informational Resources
Crisis Resources
- If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
- If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
- If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Awareness Resources
Help promote awareness by sharing images and graphics on your website and social media accounts. Use the hashtags #SuicidePrevention or #Stigmafree when sharing these images.
Local Resources
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day |
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According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, September 9th, is recognized as International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day as a reminder that there is no “safe” level of drinking while pregnant.
First recognized in 1999, International FASD Awareness Day helps raise awareness about the range of conditions that can result from alcohol use during pregnancy. Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 8 women drinks during her pregnancy, putting her child at risk for a variety of issues including low IQ, learning disabilities, speech and language delays, behavioral problems, vision and hearing problems, and problems with vital organs, among others.
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Compass Mark, a Chester County Prevention Provider, has organized two live webinars on FASD in September.
Both webinars will offer Act 48 credits.
Please see details below to register.
September 16, 2021
12:00pm-1:00pm
September 23, 2021
12:00pm-1:30pm
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Community Events and Trainings
A therapeutic grief support group to address feelings of parents after the loss of a child due to disease of addiction.
Tuesdays from 7:00pm-8:15pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 355 St. Johns Circle Phoenixville, Pa. 19460
A live, online sibling support group which is professionally facilitated to help
surviving siblings navigate sibling loss.
The group meets the first Tuesday each month.
A Haven offers various grief support groups and grief resources for children (ages 3-18) and their caregiver(s). All our support groups are offered at no cost to our families. Our support groups are located at our center in Exton, Pennsylvania.
The 501(c)3 organization is dedicated to Kacie Erin Rumford, her memory, her love of all of us and her desire to change this world to be a better place to live … from her family and friends who love her.
Would you like your community news, event, or training to be shared?
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Chester County Color 5K
Join us on Saturday, October 9th for the Chester County Color 5k - a family-friendly, timed 5k to raise awareness and funds to help combat the opioid and heroin epidemic in Chester County.
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Family Member Help Book
Finding support for substance use and related issues can be challenging. This Resource Guide, developed by the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services’ Advisory Council, was created to guide you in connecting to the services needed.
Compiled with the assistance of individuals and family members who have lived experience as well as representatives from recovery and treatment organizations, the guide includes resources for every step of the treatment and recovery journey. Our hope is that it will help you, your loved one and your family, find support healing and the rewards of sustained recovery for each person and family member impacted.
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Information Opportunity!
Did you know......
There are several other county departments who send out community newsletters and announcements just like this one. If you're interested, sign up here.
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Coming up....
Please keep an eye out for information on the following:
- Medication Take Back Day
- Red Ribbon Week
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