There’s strength in numbers, and Compass Mark is now part of a collaboration that brings together key organizations in Lancaster County’s efforts to reduce deaths from opioids and heroin. Joining Forces is a group of local government and community organizations that is working together to strengthen the great work already happening in communities throughout the county, while also identifying gaps in services and treatments to save more lives together.
As a member of the Joining Forces steering committee, Compass Mark is able to contribute our experience and knowledge in prevention, and assist with connecting people to the resources necessary for long-term recovery. We are also helping to collect and report data related to various County-wide education and awareness initiatives. These efforts focus specifically on evidence-based practices outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce exposure to opioids, prevent misuse, and treat opioid use disorder.
Earlier this year, Compass Mark and Joining Forces partnered to create a prevention guidance document entitled Best Practices for Choosing School-Based Prevention. This resource is available on the Compass Mark website by clicking here. We are also advancing the objectives of Joining Forces through our Community Prevention Mobilizer, who provides technical assistance for community coalitions in regards to prevention best practices.
For information about Joining Forces, including upcoming community forums, local resources, and County-wide data, visit www.lancasterjoiningforces.org.