Berks County Opioid Settlement Funds – Click here to learn more or apply
SOS Berks held a Recovery Simulation Event on April 20 that brought out nearly 80 people.
During April, COCA recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month by working to spread awareness of the dangers of unhealthy alcohol consumption.
We’ve launched a new media campaign that seeks to educate Berks County youth about the risks of vaping.
Check back for dates of our future Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14.
The Council on Chemical Abuse helps raise awareness about the dangers of buying lottery tickets for children.
View this year’s Annual Report for our financial information and to find highlights on our projects and programs.
The Council on Chemical Abuse has partnered with the Reading Royals to promote the John R. Elliot HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers®.
In recognition of The Great American Smoke Out, our Prevention Specialists took a two-week Traveling Quit Kit Tour around Reading, handing out FREE Quit Kits at various locations.
Executive Director Stanley J. Papademetriou has announced his decision to retire in December after 35 years with COCA.
The Council on Chemical Abuse staff attend numerous health fairs throughout Berks County where we provide the community with resources for substance use prevention, treatment and recovery.
Every September, we celebrate Recovery Month with events and activities that recognize the achievements of individuals who have reclaimed their lives in long-term recovery.
The Council on Chemical Abuse is promoting the use of designated drivers by bringing the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign to Berks County.
The PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) recently highlighted the increased prevalence of alcohol misuse and available treatment options for alcohol use disorder.
Marijuana has changed greatly over the last 50 years. It is a powerful drug, far stronger than it was in the 1970s, with the potential for serious consequences.
An unusually high number of overdoses were reported over the weekend of 4/10 due to a toxic mix of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
As teens celebrate proms and graduations, it’s important that parents avoid serving alcohol to underage youth.
Older adults often confront physical and social changes that can increase their vulnerability to substance misuse.
The Council on Chemical Abuse held its first hybrid conference on Nov. 4, 2021.
COCA celebrated Red Ribbon Week 2021 by providing red ribbons and educational programs free to Berks County schools.
The Great American Smoke Out challenges Americans to quit tobacco on the 3rd Thursday of November.
No amount of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. Check out our fun, fall mocktail recipes.
The District Attorney has issued a public health alert in response to over 100 reported overdoses that required medical attention during the weekend of Sept. 11 in Berks.
Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Jen Smith recently visited Reading Hospital – Tower Health to highlight the success of the Warm Handoff program.
The Council on Chemical Abuse has introduced a new Stigma Reduction Toolkit for Berks County Media and Communications Professionals.
On August 4, Governor Tom Wolf signed his 15th renewal of PA’s Opioid Disaster Declaration
Read Courage the Lion’s Prevention Adventure Stories authored by our prevention staff, with important lessons for children ages 5-12.
Watch our Prevention Week videos to meet our prevention specialists and learn what they do.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s press conference at the Berks RISE Center in April, highlighting the state’s Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative program.
Congratulations to the winners of our 2021 Problem Gambling Awareness Poster Contest inspired by the theme “The House Always Wins.”
A list of free apps to help you stay connected to a recovery support community and meet your own recovery goals.
After many years at our former location, we are pleased to announce that the COCA offices have moved to a new Reading location.
A BCTV episode about efforts to reduce drug overdoses county-wide.
Throughout the pandemic, COCA sustained prevention efforts through online offerings.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most dangerous time of the year for substance use and alcohol-related deaths is around the holiday months.
In December 2020, Berks County officials reported an uptick in overdose deaths.
We are hiring a Case Management Specialist/Trainee.
Over 200 professionals participated online in the 20th Annual COCA Conference in 2020.
In honor of Red Ribbon Week, our mascot Courage took a Mystery Tour of Berks County schools! From October 25 – 29 he visited 20 schools after hours. We caught him on video having some fun!
The Great American Smoke Out challenges Americans to quit tobacco.
Three virtual lessons that teach elementary, high school and middle school students about feelings and having courage.
In an October 2020 Reading Eagle article, local experts voiced concerns about the impact of the pandemic on abuse and addiction.
