School year 2020-2021 was extraordinarily challenging for schools, educators, parents, and students. Youth were separated from friends, extracurricular activities, and classrooms. Additionally, students were distanced from essential school staff members who are sources of support, compassion, and encouragement. During this time, students have reported increased levels of stress and anxiety, interruptions in sleep and eating…
The Lancaster and Lebanon County Commissioners have proclaimed the week of May 9th through 15th, 2021 as “National Prevention Week” National Prevention Week (NPW) is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health. NPW is a public education platform that promotes prevention year-round through providing ideas, capacity building,…
Leaders of Future Generations at Taylor Campus Middle School in Columbia Borough School District. Our Leaders of Future Generations program is now up and running in Columbia! Twelve 5th- and 6th-grade students participated and were incredibly enthusiastic to join in the fun! During the first session of 2021, the students collaborated to create their own…
It may be a hard sell–in the middle of a public health pandemic, with an addiction crisis still looming–to get excited about prevention science. But we are always passionate about preventing substance misuse and problem gambling, and love to share that excitement with you. While coronavirus takes center stage, public health is always in the…
Kids Kamp Continues! Leaders of Future Generations Embrace Change and Practice Resiliency This year has been filled with unprecedented challenges. At Compass Mark, we value resilience and weave this principle into each of our programs. This summer our Leaders of Future Generation program participants fully lived this value during their week at camp. In lieu…
An old-fashioned balance scale serves as a good metaphor for how we do addiction prevention. When our prevention specialists are out in the community, we’re asked some predictable questions about our work. Q: Are most kids using opioids? A: Definitely not. In both Lebanon & Lancaster Counties, less than 1% of kids have ever tried…
Compass Mark’s Family Services Advocate program has been available in Lancaster County for the past four years and beginning in March, it is now available to serve children and caregivers in Lebanon County. The Family Services Advocate program identifies, supports, and advocates for the unique needs and rights of children whose parents are incarcerated, and…
The Pennsylvania Youth Survey or “PAYS” is a biennial survey of youth in 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. This voluntary survey is designed to gather information about youth’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use to help communities address root causes of antisocial behavior. The PAYS helps to identify risk…
As media attention for the opioid crisis grows, local communities have responded. Grassroots coalition groups have sprung up across the United States, and right here in Lancaster. Just within Lancaster County, the number of known grassroots organizations and coalitions has has doubled in the past year. Through funding from the Lancaster Drug and Alcohol Commission,…