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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As we make our way into a new season, there is opportunity for new beginnings and growth. However, we continue to face the pandemic and the feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, stress, loss and loneliness may still be present. It is important to give yourself grace during these difficult times, but recognize help and resources are available.
Please check out the specific resources below:
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Peer Support Expansion Initiative in Chester County
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. is coordinating with Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol, MH/IDD, and the Department of Human Services to expand peer services.
The expansion initiative includes free certification for both Certified Recovery Specialist and Certified Peer Specialist. The free certification is coupled with approximately 100 hours of Enhanced Trainings and a supervised Field Placement.
Who are Certified Peer Specialists (CPS)?
Certified Peer Specialists are individuals with lived experience of a mental health diagnosis who acquire a certification and then go on to support others who are still struggling in their recovery. Peer Support Workers are willing to share their story to foster hope and support others to achieve their dreams.
Who are Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS)?
Certified Recovery Specialists are individuals with lived experience of a substance use disorder, who go on to acquire a certification for providing support to others who are still struggling with their recovery. Peer workers are willing to share their story to foster hope and support their recipients in achieving wellness.
***Applications are due by June 18th, 2021***
For more information please call Kristine Vuocolo 267-895-5360 or
Andrea Howell at 484-325-5990 ext. 313
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Prevention Week 2021
May 9 - 15, 2021
Prevention Week is a National awareness week sponsored annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which is dedicated to increasing the prevention of substance use and promotion of mental health by advancing prevention year-round.
The week long PA Prevention Week observance brings individuals, organizations, coalitions, states, and communities together to celebrate and recognize Prevention efforts.
The Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) has created a 2021 Prevention Week Tool Kit with materials including zoom backgrounds, social media graphics, letter templates, and much more!
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School Based Programs in Chester County
Compass Mark’s school-based prevention programs adhere to best practices to build students’ knowledge and skills for making healthy choices.
Compass Mark’s mission is to prevent substance use disorder through education, skill building, and community mobilization.
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Chester County teens have a new tool for mental health and wellness. A Teen Talk Line, targeting 12 to 18 year-olds, was launched April 6.
Young people are encouraged to reach out with a phone call or text message when they are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, sad, isolated or confused. All calls are confidential and callers may be anonymous.
This new, free service is contracted through the county's office of Mental Health and will be provided by Access Services, a non-profit organization that runs
other mental health programs, including ChescoLife and a Teen Talk Line in Montgomery County. The service operates after school and in the early evening hours, which are the peak hours for family and other conflicts.
Teens who call after hours will receive an automated message and will be directed to the Valley Creek Crisis Intervention Center in Exton for immediate support when needed. The call line is 855-852-TEEN (8336) and the text line is 484-362-9515.
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It is very common for us to take medications, vitamins and other supplements to lead a healthy life. However, any medication, vitamin or supplement can be dangerous if taken incorrectly or by the wrong person such as a child. An initiative of PROTECT, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Up and Away and Out of Sight is an educational program to remind families about the importance of safe medicine storage.
According to the campaign, approximately 60,000 children are brought to the emergency room each year because they got into medications that
were within their reach.
Please see below for campaign resources:
Log onto the Up and Away Campaign website for more information
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Community Events and Trainings
Friday, May 7, 2021
8:00am-2:30pm
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course designed to teach adults the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
6:00pm-7:30pm
Share in a discussion as we talk about how to empower kids who are not using substances, recognize when kids are using substances, and take action to help our kids make healthy decisions.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
7:00pm-8:30pm
Brandywine Hospital will partner with the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services and Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS Training Institute to present a virtual community event on the opioid epidemic in Chester County.
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.
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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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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