March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month–a time to learn more about this silent addiction which effects an estimated 4-6 million adults in the United States. Unfortunately, youth are not immune to issues related to gambling, and for many, their introduction comes in the all-too-familiar form of video games. There are various studies that show…
After a year of hard work, our Leaders of Future Generations students joined together for an exciting week full of opportunities to grow, build, strengthen friendships, and enjoy nature at Kids Kamp! During the week of June 21st through 25th, twenty-four students kicked off the summer at Innabah Camp & Retreat Center. Kids Kamp is…
Compass Mark has received a grant to offer free medication disposal bags to residents of Lancaster, Lebanon, and Chester ounties, PA. Keeping unused or expired medications in your medicine cabinet can lead to misuse or accidental ingestion. The newest option for the disposal of unused and expired medications are medication disposal bags. We are now…
“The Hidden Addiction”. Experts often refer to gambling disorders this way. There are two main reasons for this. First, there are no physical signs that someone is gambling too much. Substance use disorders cause changes to a person’s physical appearance and health. Aside from appearing run-down or tired, gambling usually has no such effects. Second,…
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…
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 Positive Change Conference is Lancaster County’s community conference on addiction, serving helping professionals, college students, and anyone interested in addiction prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. Although it’s been an annual event in one form or another since 1991, Compass Mark ran the event from 2012 to 2018, when we began a partnership with Millersville…
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…
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…