Franklin County Commissioners Recognize Substance Abuse Prevention Month

Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery; Lynn St. Clair, coalition and prevention coordinator, Healthy Communities Partnership; Karen Johnston, executive director, Healthy Communities Partnership; Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller; and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed October 2022 to be Substance Abuse Prevention Month in Franklin County and are urging residents, community leaders and stakeholders to do their part to increase their knowledge of substance abuse and their understanding of how Franklin County residents can seek help through treatment services available within their own communities. 

Substance abuse includes underage drinking, alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications and illicit drug use. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2020 found that roughly 19.3 million Americans aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year. 

“Franklin County is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all our residents,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller. “As community leaders, it’s important that we work together to offer unified prevention and education efforts to help eliminate the demand for drugs in our county. It’s also important that we ensure those individuals on the road to recovery receive the necessary services and support to get on track to living healthier lives.”

By recognizing Substance Abuse Prevention Month, the commissioners are encouraging residents to participate in prevention efforts to increase their understanding of substance abuse. One such effort is Healthy Communities Partnership’s Keep an Eye Out program. Keep an Eye Out is an interactive activity that depicts a teenager’s bedroom so parents and caregivers can learn how to recognize the signs of potential drug and alcohol use. The mock bedroom is on display at Coyle Free Library, Chambersburg, through Oct. 28.

Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol can assist those affected by substance use disorders in living healthy lifestyles. For more information on available services, call 717-263-1256 or email ffda@franklincountypa.gov. Information is also available by visiting the Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol page at www.franklincountypa.gov. Individuals seeking immediate help for themselves or for someone they know should call PA Get Help Now at 800-662-4357. For prevention resources, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs website, www.ddap.pa.gov.

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