2024 Annual Conference Examined Substance Use Across the Lifespan

The Council on Chemical Abuse held its 2024 Annual Conference on November 18 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Reading with nearly 200 professionals in attendance. This year’s theme was Addressing Substance Use Across the Lifespan.

Attendees were welcomed by COCA’s Community Programs Specialist Yvonne Stroman as well as County Commissioners Christian Y. Leinbach, Michael S. Rivera, and Dante Santoni, Jr.

Following the welcome, an engaging keynote presentation entitled “If Prevention and Recovery Sat for a Cup of Coffee,” was provided by Kym Laube, who discussed the importance of prevention, treatment and recovery professionals working together, rather than in silos.

The conference also included a panel presentation featuring diverse people in recovery from substance use disorder, and moderated by Dr. Ramona Palmerio-Roberts, Psy.D

After the panel discussion, attendees visited breakout rooms for workshops on Marijuana Legislation, PAYS and the Continuums of Care, Neonatal Care for Babies and Moms, and Effective Strategies for Older Adults. Breakout presentations were provided by Jeff Hanley of the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance; Phyllis Law and Alise Barr of Penn State University EPIS; Drs. Linda Bloom & Holly Metzgar, and Chelsie Shifflet and Jamie Geist of Reading Hospital, and Diana Santiago of Caron Treatment Centers.

During breaks, people were able to visit tables and learn about the services offered by over different agencies who provided literature and information about their organizations.

Both breakfast and lunch were provided. During lunch, an awards presentation honored people who have made significant contributions to the field of addiction and recovery.

Scroll down for award winners.

PHOTOS

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Photo (l to r): Berks Co. Commissioner Dante Santoni, COCA Board Treasurer Wynton Butler, Award Winners Officer Samuel Calabria, Scott Althouse, Kerin Kohler, Dr. John Vafeas, Barbara Lopez, Dr. Sara George, Dr. Danelle Bower, Gregory Day, Donna Garipoli, and Berks Co. Commissioners Michael Rivera and Christian Leinbach.

Congratulations to all our award winners!

THE ROGER S. HERTZ EDUCATION AWARD: For ongoing commitment to development and/or provision of drug and alcohol programming in a school setting.
Sara George, Berks County Intermediate Unit
THE JOSEPH “BUD” HAINES COMMUNITY AWARD: For ongoing commitment to preventing drug and alcohol abuse in the community.
Greg Day, Caron Treatment Centers
THE FRANCIS “FRAN” DREXLER PUBLIC SAFETY AWARD: For ongoing commitment to providing law enforcement-related services that prevent, combat and intervene on drug and alcohol-related problems.
Officer Samuel J. Calabria, Muhlenberg Township Police Dept. Resource Officer for Muhlenberg High School
THE BETTY J. MCDONOUGH TREATMENT AWARD: For ongoing commitment to the treatment of addiction.
Kerin Kohler, Women’s Health Center, Reading Hospital
THE ALGOT “AL” ECKSTROM RECOVERY AWARD: For ongoing commitment to the recovery from the disease of addiction.
Scott Althouse, Easy Does It, Inc.
THE GEORGE J. VOGEL, JR. PRESIDENT’S AWARD: For overall ongoing commitment as a volunteer, leader or professional in the treatment, prevention and intervention of substance use disorder.
Danelle Bower, Reading Area Community College & former Board Member, COCA   
THE SPOTLIGHT AWARD: For an individual whose exceptional contributions often go unnoticed but have a profound impact on our community.
Barbara Lopez, County of Berks
CHAMPION OF THE MISSION AWARD: For both the tenure and active support of an individual, school or organization’s ongoing commitment to COCA’s vision and mission.
Dr. John Vafeas, Kutztown University Dept. of Social Work
Donna Garipoli, TASC