Written by 
0
0
Reading, PA – Today, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Jennifer Smith joined local officials and community members for the ribbon cutting of RISE Center, Berks County’s first and only recovery center.
RISE Center, which stands for Recovery, Information, Support, and Education, will provide space for activities and events that support individuals and families in recovery from substance use disorder. The center will offer a variety of support groups and programs to nurture individuals and families, including 12-step meetings, recovery-specific trainings, and wellness sessions.
“When we think of helping individuals with substance use disorder our minds automatically think about treatment options for individuals, but recovery supports are just as important to an individual’s health as the initial treatment,” said Secretary Smith. “The disease of addiction affects everyone, but so does recovery. Having community members come together to support their neighbors helps to break stigma and ultimately leads to healthier communities.”
The center will be open weekdays for regular programs 12 p.m-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. with at least one certified family recovery specialist, an individual specifically trained to support individuals and their loved ones seeking recovery from addiction, on-site during hours of operation. RISE Center was established by the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA), which serves as the Single County Authority and coordinating agency for publicly supported drug and alcohol programming in Berks County.
“This community center, being focused on recovery, is new for Berks County,” said COCA’s Executive Director Stanley Papdemetriou. “This rounds out our continuum of services to residents and provides information about addiction and recovery that individuals and families may need. Residents can come to the RISE Center for recovery-related support, activities, events, as well as information and referral.”
During Governor Tom Wolf’s second term, DDAP will place a heavy focus on reducing stigma associated with substance use disorder, intensifying primary prevention efforts, strengthening treatment systems, and empowering sustained recovery. The aim of these efforts will be to positively influence the knowledge and behavior around the topic of addiction.
“The department recognizes the lack of support programs here in Pennsylvania and is excited to see the impact of this facility,” said Secretary Smith. “It is our hope to expand successful programs, like RISE Center, across the commonwealth.”
Find more information on RISE Center hereOpens In A New Window.
Find more information on the state’s efforts to battle the opioid crisis hereOpens In A New Window.
LanChester NUZ 92.9 provides links to web sites of other organizations in order to provide visitors with certain information.