2024 was a busy year for us at COCA. See below for our top 10 highlights. Read our 2023-24 Annual Report to learn more about our projects, programs and finances.

1. Hosted DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones

In March, we hosted Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones when she visited Berks County to kick off Phase 2 of the agency’s statewide stakeholder engagement tour. During her visit, Dr. Davis-Jones held a roundtable discussion at COCA’s Berks RISE Center on local efforts to manage the opioid crisis. Learn more.

2. Dedicated a new SOS Berks Recovery-themed Mural

In April, COCA joined forces with SOS Berks to dedicate a new mural located at 11th & Richmond Streets in Reading. The mural The Journey celebrates the journey of recovery from substance use disorder. It is based on the recovery story of Yvonne Stroman, and was designed by Reading artist Marian Njai and digital designer Gregory Didyoung, under the direction of Mural Coordinator Mike Miller. Learn more.

3. Celebrated National Prevention Week

The Council on Chemical Abuse hosted a Prevention Week Celebration that included an awards presentation, tours of the Prevention Department offices, games and prizes. About 60 people attended the event, which took place during National Prevention Week (May 12-18, 2024) at the RISE Recovery Center in Reading. Learn more.

4. Introduced the new Health to Go Vending Machine

In partnership with SOS Berks, Penn State College of Medicine and the Reading YMCA, the new machine, located in the lobby of the YMCA, dispenses wellness items and harm reduction supplies for free. Learn more.

5. Created videos for drug checking strips

The videos were produced in English and Spanish in order to provide a simple guide to checking for the presence of fentanyl and xylazine in street drugs. Watch videos.

6. Distributed Narcan

In fiscal year 2023-24, COCA distributed a total of 7,850 NARCAN® kits, more than doubling the 2,703 total from the previous fiscal year.

7. Celebrated Recovery

In September, we celebrated Recovery Month with a full slate of events, including the annual Berks Recovery Walk, which followed a new route this year, beginning at the COCA offices at 50 N. Fifth St and ending at the RISE Center. The walk was followed by a celebration that included speeches, an invocation by Pastor Tom Scornavacchi and a butterfly release.

8. Embarked on our 3rd Annual No Nicotine November Quit Kit Tour

Our Prevention Specialist Teresa encouraged people throughout Berks County to quit smoking or vaping by delivering nearly 1,000 Quit Kits to 20 sites in November, in recognition of the Great American Smoke Out. Learn more.

9. Hosted nearly 200 professionals at our Annual Conference

Our 2024 Annual Conference was held 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. Learn more.

10. Engaged with the community

For Fiscal Year 2023-24, COCA staff participated in 53 health fairs and other community events, handing out information about recovery and treatment resources to thousands of Berks County residents.