Chester County’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Services will join local leaders of prevention services to support efforts of “National Prevention Week”, May 8 through 14. 

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “National Prevention Week” is dedicated to addressing and increasing public awareness of substance use prevention and mental health through partnerships and collaborations which promote quality behavioral health resources.

This week serves as an opportunity to share with Chester County residents the need for prevention year-round, providing ideas, tools and resources to help individuals and communities make substance use prevention happen every day.

The week also serves as a time for communities to celebrate their successes and advocate for prevention. 

This year, staff with the County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services is collaborating with prevention providers across the county, as well as leaders across the state to highlight Prevention Week through community education. Substance use prevention organizations, coalitions and community organizations will be using tools, materials and resources created by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) to raise awareness of their prevention programs, and what prevention in Chester County looks like.

Family Recovery Course (FRC)

The Family Recovery Course is a new series of peer-led, interactive trainings for parents or caregivers whose child, at any stage of life, has struggled with addiction to drugs or alcohol. There is no charge to participate. Each course is limited to 12 participants from Chester County for each series.

Next three session course (must attend all sessions):

Monday, May 9th - 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Monday, May 16th - 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Monday, May 23rd - 6:30 to 9:00 pm

All three sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Participants will be asked to have their camera on throughout the Family Recovery Course, providing for a more engaging and interactive experience.

"Be the Change" Youth Alcohol,

Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD)

Prevention Video Contest   

Communities that Care of Greater Downingtown (CTC) is excited to host its 2nd annual alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) prevention youth video contest. All 7th - 12th graders who reside in the Downingtown Area school district are invited to submit their videos that explain why they choose not to use drugs and alcohol.

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st - 3rd place winners, ranging from $250 - $150. The contest submission deadline is EXTENDED to May 15, 2022.

THRIVE Youth Leadership Meeting

May 23rd @ 6:30pm

Born out of a desire to see youth guide local efforts to improve our community, THRIVE was established in partnership with West Chester Communities that Care (WCCTC). WCCTC uses the most recent local PA Youth Survey data to assess areas most likely to put teen success at risk. 

With this information, THRIVE teens create solutions to some of the issues most affecting society today.

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THRIVE highlights the power of today's young people to positively impact their own futures and to strengthen the West Chester community.