Prevention Specialist
The prevention specialist provides services and activities within BASD school community aimed at raising awareness of drug and alcohol issues affecting youth and their families. Services include classroom curriculum, information dissemination, and connections to community resources. For more information or questions, please contact:
Kelly Ann Pegg, kpegg@bloomsd.k12.pa.us (570) 784-6100. or visit Mrs. Pegg's Prevention Services page.
You can visit these resource links if you are in need of any community assistance. These links will provide you with information on how to get counseling, food assistance, housing assistance, or just connections with community agencies.
Resources
Columbia County Children & Youth Services (570) 389-5700 Provides child welfare services designed to protect children from abuse, neglect, and enable children to remain safely in their homes. C&Y can connect children and families with a range of residential, therapeutic, educational and supportive community services.
The Women's Center (570) 784-6632 Provides free services and support to victims of violence or assault. They offer information, resources, and community outreach and prevention services.
The United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties An organization of community volunteers that leads, inspires and mobilizes individuals and contributes to help provide solutions to essential health and human service issues to improve the quality of life for the people of Columbia and Montour.
AGAPE (570) 317-2210 AGAPE is a non-denominational, faith-based mission to serve the people in our area. They work to “fill in the gaps” which currently exist between people in need, and the community services available to assist them.
Bloomsburg Food Cupboard - (570) 784-0801 Provides food assistance to local families.
CSO (Central Susquehanna Opportunities) (570) 644-6575 CSO offers a variety of programs and services to help all of our neighbors and communities thrive. Assistance includes housing, utilities, food, employment and education.
Columbia County Assistance Office - (570) 387- 4200. Welfare Offices provide for the needy with many things such as child care, food assistance, cash for needy families, and other service.
Everyone has mental health, and we need to take care of it just like we take care of our physical health. Visit these resources on tips for how to practice positive mental health, as well as where to find help when you need it.
Resources
Columbia County Crisis Hotline - 1-800-222-9016. CMSU crisis staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you need immediate assistance or just need someone to talk to.
Crisis Text Line - Text "Help" to 741741. Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
List of Resource Sites and Numbers. Here is a list of numbers and sites for other topics.
The Penn State Hershey Eating Disorders Program offers a full range of treatment options for individuals (children, adolescents, adults, male and female) with eating disorders. Services include outpatient, inpatient and partial hospitalization programs.
Information
National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. Here you will find information on health topics, facts, awareness, and how to get help.
MentalHealth.gov MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information. Here you will find information on myths and facts, how to talk about mental health, what to look for and how to get help.
Prevent Suicide PA Their mission is to support those who are affected by suicide, provide education, awareness, and understanding by collaborating with the community to prevent suicide, and reduce the stigma associated with suicide.
Tips
Local MH/SA Outpatient Providers A list of outpatient service providers in the area.
Let's Talk About It Tips for parents and caregivers on how to talk to your children about mental health, and resources.
Having open conversations about drugs and alcohol, and educating ourselves on trends is the first step in preventing use and abuse. For treatment options, visit the resources tabs. You can also visit the information tabs to learn more and get tips on how to start the conversation.
Resources
PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs - 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Here you can search for a treatment provider, or funding assistance for treatment, by zip code or county.
Columbia County D&A Services - (570) 275-4962. CMSU is a local resource that can assist with D&A treatment.
List of Resource Sites and Numbers. Here is a list of numbers and websites for other topics.
Information
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. Here you will find information and treatment options.
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens NIDA created this website to give youth the facts about drugs and their effects on the brain and body. Designed for teens and those who influence them—parents, guardians, teachers, and educators—the science-based information and resources inspire learning and encourage critical thinking so teens can make informed decisions about drug use and their health.
Partnership for Drug Free Kids The go-to organization for families addressing every aspect of substance use and addiction, from prevention to recovery.
Tips
Local MH/SA Outpatient Providers A list of outpatient service providers in the area.
Talk. They Hear You. SAMHSA’s substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers start talking to their children early about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine Substance Use Resources for Parents of Adolescents and Young Adults.
Support Groups Financial Assistance Childcare Clothing
Medical/Insurance School Legal Services Parenting Support
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
You can also visit the Prevention Services page for more information on mental health and wellness and drugs and alcohol.