Nomination
Compass Mark is one of two recipients of the new Prevention Impact in Action Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP). This DDAP initiative recognizes substance use and problem gambling prevention teams, projects, and accomplishments that have made a meaningful impact in their communities. Specifically mentioned were Compass Mark’s implementation of the Positive Action program and piloting of a new training curriculum for Student Assistance Program (SAP) teams in local schools.
Program Impact
Compass Mark’s prevention programs contribute to youth substance use rates in Lancaster County which are lower than those of both the state and the nation. The percentage of Lancaster County 12th graders who reported lifetime use of alcohol was 37% in 2023, compared with 47% in Pennsylvania and 53% in the United States. Lifetime use of marijuana was reported by 18% of Lancaster County 12th graders, compared to 26% in Pennsylvania and 37% across the United States.
Accolades
Compass Mark was nominated for the award by Debra Bard, prevention supervisor at the Lancaster County Drug & Alcohol Commission. She wrote,
“Despite challenges in delivering the (Positive Action) program with full fidelity, (Compass Mark Lancaster) adapted their approach, which earned approval from the Positive Action developers. Their creative methods, such as stacking lessons and customizing the program to fit local needs, led to substantial positive outcomes, including improved academic performance, and reduced problematic classroom behavior among over 1,500 students in Lancaster County.”
Positive Action is a core program for Compass Mark: it teaches social-emotional and character skills to promote healthy childhood development. The program is based on the intuitive philosophy that we feel good about ourselves when we do positive actions. Cost-benefit ratio calculations show that for every dollar spent on Positive Action, $29 in future benefits, such as lowered healthcare costs and increased labor market earnings, can be generated for the community.
In the nomination, Debra continues:
“Compass Mark’s broader impact includes a 40% growth in school-based programming, reaching over 4,000 students. They also served as one of six agencies across the state leading the pilot of a new Student Assistance Program Team training model. Their dedication to their mission of guiding individuals toward healthy, fulfilling lives free from addiction is reflected in their enduring commitment to excellence and the impact of their programs.”
Their dedication to their mission . . . is reflected in their enduring commitment to excellence and the impact of their programs.
Debra Bard, Lancaster County Drug & Alcohol Commission
Compass Mark is approved by the Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistance Services to provide training for educators in the Student Assistance Program—a team process used to remove student barriers to learning, including addressing substance use and mental health concerns. The training department provided input on the new model and was the first agency to pilot it with Pennsylvania school districts in January 2024.
Recognition by County Commissioner
Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder recognized this significant achievement by stating:
“Congratulations and so well deserved! I have enjoyed watching Compass Mark grow. Your team and your programs are changing lives in our community.”
Your team and your programs are changing lives in our community.
Alice Yoder, Lancaster County Commissioner
Compass Mark’s Executive Director, Eric Kennel, responded:
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award from our partners at DDAP and the Lancaster County Drug & Alcohol Commission. Prevention is often misunderstood and undervalued: therefore, I am so grateful for this public recognition of our team’s inspiring, impactful work to improve the health and resilience of our community.”
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award.
Eric Kennel, MPA, Executive Director
Compass Mark is a non-profit organization that provides prevention services to over 10,000 individuals each year in Chester, Lancaster, and Lebanon Counties. Team members work collaboratively across counties to contribute toward the agency’s mission to prevent addiction through education, skill-building, and community mobilization, and all share the credit for this wonderful honor.
