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 2022 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.
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 Wednesday, August 31st, 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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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. Please visit Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force's website for a wealth of information and resources.
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Pathways to
Recovery
There is no universal “right way” to find and maintain recovery when struggling with a substance use disorder or dual diagnosis.
Sometimes a few different paths are needed to find the right fit. Or engaging in a combination of programs might help to ensure lifelong recovery.
The program will feature a panel that will include individuals who have experienced various pathways that helped them to find and support their recovery.
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Virtual Event
6:00pm-7:30pm
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Upcoming Community Naloxone Trainings
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.
Thursday, September 22nd – 6:00pm-7:00pm
Virtual Training hosted by Chester County Hospital
Monday, September 26th – 2:00pm-3:30pm
In Person hosted by Representative Sappey
*This training will be available in both English and Spanish
Kennett Borough Building, 120 Marshall Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
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Wednesday, September 14, 2022 (Virtual)
12:00 PM 1:00 PM
Please join Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services for a lunch and learn on the PA Youth Survey (PAYS). PAYS is a biannual survey of our youth on their behavior, attitudes and knowledge concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) |
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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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Community Events and Trainings
Please join the Chester County Overdose Prevention Task Force for our quarterly meeting, which will take place in person. The meeting will cover Recovery Month, county data & updates and include time for networking.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Chester County Government Services Center, Room 351E
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, Pa 19380
1:30pm-3:00pm
A therapeutic grief support group to address feelings of parents after the loss of a child due to disease of addiction.
Every Tuesday this Fall starting September 20th
Group Starts at 6:30pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 355 St. Johns Circle Phoenixville, Pa. 19460
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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Consider a Career in Behavioral Health - Chester County Behavioral Health Job Fair
Several Chester County behavioral health employers will be at the Chester County Government Services Center looking for their new employees! The event is open to the community. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred (use QR code below or click here).
Thursday, September 22
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, Pa 19380
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Chester County Color 5K
Join us on Saturday, October 8th 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. This year, the Color 5K will be held at a NEW location, the Chester Valley Trail at Exton Park.
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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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