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… Read More The post Compass Mark Wins First-ever State Prevention Impact Award appeared first on Compass Mark ..read more

The world is complicated. Today we’re focusing on the young people whom we serve. Some, we spend 2 minutes with at a health expo, handing out a stress ball with a tip for handling anger. Others, like the young people… Read More The post Prevention is Best Done Together: ExtraGive 2024 appeared first on Compass Mark ..read more

Compass Mark is offering free medication disposal bags to residents & organizations in Lancaster and Chester Counties, 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 offer Deterra® medication disposal bags to individuals and community organizations. How Medication Disposal Bags Work Each bag contains a small pouch of a carbon compound. Unwanted medications are placed in the bag and warm water is added. The water works to diss ..read more

There are several bills related to the legalization of adult use cannabis circulating in the PA Legislature, including HB 1180 and SB 846. Many expect that a vote on this issue will take place this session. In response, The Board of Directors of Compass Mark has approved a position statement on the matter, and is universally opposed to legalization, based on the following points: Cannabis legalization will have significant, long-term negative impacts on our youth. There is a direct connection between cannabis use and an array of mental health concerns. The potency of cannabis products on the ..read more

March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month with the theme Every Story Matters—a chance to build understanding and support for people impacted by gambling disorders (GD). Any positive screening for substance use disorder (SUD) or mental illness should include a gambling assessment, as research has shown that: A third to a half of those treated for SUD also have a gambling disorder 57% of those with SUD and GD developed the substance use disorder first 75% of those in treatment for substance use have a moderate or severe gambling disorder Of people diagnos ..read more

Register for the Positive Change Virtual Conference by March 12 to receive your Snack Box of tasty treats before the event! The event is April 3 & 4, 2024 from 8:00am – 12:30pm each day. This year’s theme is Bridging the Gaps: Building Integrated Systems of Care. Our communities continue to both recover from the pandemic and to face increases in resulting addiction and mental health issues. Professionals are rising to the occasion but do experience barriers to helping their students and clients. Conference sessions will help bridge the gaps between the need for services & ..read more

Justin Manning, Senior VP, Mid Penn Bank & Eric Kennel, Executive Director, Compass Mark Our agency is grateful for the generosity of Mid Penn Bank and their ongoing support through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which allows businesses to redirect their state tax liability to approved nonprofits. Their $5,000 donation funds our Leaders of Future Generations program, which builds social and emotional skills, connection to school and community, and positive academic outcomes. Brookfield Renewable Partners is one o ..read more

A word that describes our Family Services Advocate (FSA) program, which supports children of incarcerated parents, is reassuring. In addition to the activities of our advocates—matching families with resources, teaching parenting classes, meeting with the incarcerated parents—Karlee Shambaugh and Sarah Sechrist provide validation and encouragement to both children and adults. In Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, one way our advocates reassure is through the gift of stuffed bears with personalized voice recordings. Each child receives a bear embedded with a message from their ..read more

by Eric Kennel, MPS, Executive Director Our addiction prevention work is most effective when delivered from a foundation of relationships and personal connections. In my work each day, I am honored by the opportunity to connect with so many extraordinary individuals. People walking alongside friends and family members who are experiencing the impacts of addiction. Youth in our school-based programs who are learning life skills and modeling resilience through adversity. Dedicated educators and providers who are delivering life-changing services and resources for our community. For me, each of t ..read more

Due to the EXTRAORDINARY generosity of our community supporters, Compass Mark raised $35,767 over the 24 hours of the November 17, 2023 ExtraGive! On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, we are so appreciative for the incredible support of not only our 153 individual donors, but everyone who participated in our campaign. Matching Sponsors Many thanks are in order to our Matching Sponsors, who’s total of $13,100 doubled the impact of donations, encouraging people to give to the organization. These include: Design Data Corporation Janney Kitchen Kettle Village The Compass M ..read more