
Prevention of substance use and gambling disorders is NOT simply about telling kids not to do these things. Effective prevention starts with identifying what children and youth in the community need, and then meeting that need with research-backed strategies. Risk & Protective Factors: The Foundation for Effective Prevention Risk factors are those things that increase…

The Advocacy Team at Compass Mark created a packet containing three lessons with corresponding worksheets for students and families to enjoy at home. The lessons taught on personal strengths, time management, and goal setting. Even the cover page offered a chance to color and cut out your own bookmark! The packets were printed and dispersed…

A few months ago, a 17-year-old high school senior and her nine-year-old brother came home from their Lancaster County school and their mom wasn’t there. Kira (not her real name) and Michael had faced this circumstance before, so they went on with their day—snacks, homework, bedtime and getting up for school the following day. Another…

During this coronavirus pandemic, we are all using public health language that that is new to us. Recommendations to physically distance, avoiding touching the face, and wear masks in public are all intended to “flatten the curve” of the pandemic so that hospitals can handle the number of patients seeking care, and are not overwhelmed….

COVID-19 Update Lancaster & Lebanon Counties Treatment & Recovery Services The addiction field is considered a life-sustaining service and is working hard to adapt treatment, support groups, and recovery services to safely meet the needs of people affected by substance use and gambling disorders. Although our offices are closed to the public, we are still…

Compass Mark’s mission is to prevent addiction through education, skill-building, and community mobilization. On Monday, October 7th, Compass Mark hosted two of the original Freedom Writers, Tony Becerra, and Cynthia Ray, to share their stories with our community. The night was filled with messages of inspiration, empowerment, and resiliency. We celebrated both the 20th…

Recovery Month Celebrates Healing and Thriving Imagine having an illness that is often fatal, but can be recovered from—a highly stressful situation. Now imagine the general public not only believes that recovery is impossible but also blames you for having this illness. Beliefs are powerful, and can determine whether an illness is secret or shared;…