Drug Services Added To Chesco Network

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — New partnerships will make for better drug and alcohol services in Chester County, officials said Thursday as they announced providers added to the county's service network.

Chester County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services (CCDDAS) said the partnerships with local agencies would ensure comprehensive Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) prevention services are available to community organizations, schools, and all Chester County residents.

The new community partners will increase availability of drug and alcohol prevention services for community organizations, schools and all residents.

Drug and alcohol prevention specialists explained that in Chester County, prevention services consist of age-appropriate school-based and community-based programs as well as education and awareness on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) topics, identification and referral of students at risk. Also included in county services is information and referral related to prevention, treatment and recovery services for community members.

"Although the implementation of programs and services might look a little bit different this year as we are in the midst of a pandemic, we remain focused on providing the best prevention services available to Chester County residents who need them," said Kathy Collier, Prevention Director for the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.

The new providers, with links to each, include:

• Be a Part of the Conversation
• Coatesville Youth Initiative
• Compass Mark
• Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown
• Devereux
• Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems
• Phoenixville Communities That Care
• West Chester Area Communities That Care

Prevention is defined as action taken to keep individuals from using alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other drugs by implementing programming and services that primarily targets school aged youth but also includes parents, school, and community, Collier explained.

The Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services provides prevention, intervention and treatment services to all Chester County residents, mainly through contracts with local agencies.

For more information on drug and alcohol resources and services, please visit the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services website or the Chester County Overdose Prevention Task Force website.