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.
Prevention
Watch our Prevention Week videos to meet our prevention specialists and learn what they do.
COCA Highlights
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.
COCA Highlights
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.
COCA Highlights
We are hiring a Case Management Specialist/Trainee.
COCA Highlights
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.
Statewide effort seeks to end the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder.
Parenting
In July 2020, our prevention specialists handed out an estimated 5,000 booklets with prevention info and activities to libraries, summer camps, and other summer programs!
The Council on Chemical Abuse is currently offering Berks County families FREE medication lock boxes and medication disposal bags. Offer valid while supplies last.
In The News
Our brand new COCA Creative Activities for Meaningful Prevention (CAMP) Challenge will provide weekly activities for families through July 27.
The center has provided withdrawal management services to the Berks community for many years and is one of a number of Tower Health closures due to revenue losses.
This workshop for youth and adolescents explores potential issues that exist in the world of online gambling and video gaming.
View the winning entries in our 2020 poster contest on Online Gaming: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Watch a video of the SOS Berks Opioid Crisis Update, recorded on May 13. Learn about ongoing opioid treatment and recovery services in Berks County during COVID-19.
Current Trends
Experts believe smokers are vulnerable to the most dangerous impacts of COVID-19.
Addiction
The coronavirus has led to an upheaval in society that has impacted the way people are consuming alcohol.
Treatment for substance use is still available from Berks County providers.
Individuals struggling with a gambling disorder may be more vulnerable during the pandemic.
Stay connected with the recovery community with virtual resources!
COCA Prevention Specialist Teresa Detweiler shares her expertise on vaping.
Local programs and initiatives continue to fight the opioid epidemic in Berks Co.
Addiction
Some behaviors, like gaming and gambling, can produce symptoms similar to substance use disorder.
Pennsylvania continues to be one of the hardest-hit states by the opioid epidemic.
Addiction
Learn more about problem gambling and find help for gambling problems with these suggested online resources.
COCA Highlights
A sell-out crowd of over 250 turned out to learn about Addiction & the Family.
The screenings, which are for parents and other adults, are available at no cost to districts.
COCA Highlights
RISE opened in September 2019, offering meetings and programs to support recovery.
