County to take part in National Prevention Week

Chester County’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Services announced plans to support “National Prevention Week” from May 8 through 14.

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “National Prevention Week” is dedicated to addressing and increasing public awareness of substance use prevention and mental health through partnerships and collaborations which promote quality behavioral health resources.

Vince Brown, executive director of the county’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, said, “This week serves as an opportunity to share with Chester County residents the need for prevention year-round, providing ideas, tools and resources to help individuals and communities make substance use prevention happen every day.

“The week also serves as a time for communities to celebrate their successes and advocate for prevention.”

Throughout the week, prevention related-events will be taking place throughout Chester County. Details of all events can be found at www.chesco.org/ drugandalcohol, and include:

• Family Recovery Course (FRC) presented by Be a Part of the Conversation — A three (3) part virtual course taking place on Monday, May 9.

• Healthy Boundaries for Family Recovery presented by Be a Part of the Conversation — a virtual event taking place on Tuesday, May 10, at 6 p.m.

• “Be the Change” Youth Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention Video Contest hosted by Downingtown Communities that Care. The deadline for submission is Sunday, May 15.

• THRIVE Youth Leadership Club Meeting hosted by West Chester Communities that Care a virtual meeting taking place on May 23, at 6:30 p.m.

This year, staff with the County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services is collaborating with prevention providers across the county, as well as leaders across the state to highlight Prevention Week through community education. Substance use prevention organizations, coalitions and community organizations will be using tools, materials and resources created by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance to raise awareness of their prevention programs, and what prevention in Chester County looks like.

If your organization is interested in participating in “National Prevention Week” or have further questions, visit www.chesco.org/drugandalcohol. You can also call the Chester County Information and Referral line at 866-286-3767.