Somerset County Drug-Free Communities

08/31/2026

🕯️💜 Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. 💜🕯️

Today, we remember the lives lost to overdose and recognize the families, friends, and communities who continue to feel that loss every day.

Overdose can affect any family, any community, and any one of us. Behind every statistic is a person, a son, daughter, parent, sibling, friend, or loved one whose life mattered.

Today is also a reminder that overdose deaths are preventable. Through education, awareness, reducing stigma, supporting those struggling with substance use, and making life-saving resources available, we can make a difference.

💜 We remember.
💜 We support.
💜 We raise awareness.
💜 We work toward preventing future overdoses.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, help is available. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.

Learn more about local substance use treatment, recovery, prevention, and support services through UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Twin Lakes:

https://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/western-psychiatric/services/outpatient-and-community-services/twin-lakes

Together, we can honor those we have lost by continuing to spread hope, compassion, awareness, and prevention.

UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Twin Lakes offers a full range of addiction medicine services for adults and adolescents. Learn how we can help at UPMC.

08/24/2026

🌟 GOOD VIBES SAVE LIVES 🌟
Join us for the Seventh Annual Concert Fundraiser for Su***de Prevention at Laurel Arts Center!

This meaningful community event brings us together to honor those we've lost, support one another, and raise awareness . All while enjoying a night filled with music, connection, and hope.

📅 When:
Saturday, September 26, 2026
⏰ 3 PM – 8 PM
📍 Where: Laurel Arts Center 214 Harrison Ave. Somerset, PA 15501

✨ Enjoy:
• Memorial Walk
• Live Music
• Food Trucks
• Luminaria
• Community Resources
• Information Session
• Special guest speaker Joshua Horner, sharing his inspiring messages “Build Your Fire” and “STAYINIT”

Bring your friends, family, and anyone who could use a night of uplifting community support. 💜

Let’s spread good vibes, raise awareness, and remind our community that they matter.
***dePrevention

08/20/2026

💜 National Fentanyl Prevention & Awareness Day — August 21 💜

Tomorrow, we pause to remember the lives lost to illicit fentanyl and the families and communities forever changed by this crisis.

Fentanyl awareness starts with education. Prevention starts with conversation.

Illicit fentanyl can be found in counterfeit pills and other illegally made drugs. A pill or substance may look legitimate, but you cannot see, smell, or taste fentanyl.

As parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, we can help protect our children and our communities by talking openly about the risks, knowing the facts, and learning how to respond in an emergency.

💜 Talk. Educate. Prevent. Save lives.

Learn more, access educational materials, and find resources from Facing Fentanyl, the organization behind National Fentanyl Prevention & Awareness Day:

👉 https://facingfentanylnow.org/

Facing Fentanyl is a licensed and registered nonprofit organization bringing awareness to the dangers of illicit fentanyl. Learn more today.

08/19/2026

🎰 When Gambling Becomes a Problem

Gambling is everywhere — from casinos and lottery tickets to sports betting, online gaming, and fantasy contests. For some people, what starts as entertainment can become a problem that affects finances, relationships, work, school, and overall well-being.

🚩 Some warning signs of problem gambling include:
• Gambling more than you planned
• Chasing losses or trying to “win it back”
• Borrowing money or falling behind on bills
• Hiding or lying about gambling
• Feeling unable to stop or cut back
• Gambling causing stress or problems at home, work, or school

💙 If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available.

Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Helpline
📞 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
📱 Text: 800GAM
💻 24/7 online chat

The helpline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Support is available for individuals and family members affected by gambling. https://pacouncil.com/helpline/

Recovery is possible. Sometimes the hardest step is simply reaching out. ❤️

HELPLINE Three ways to access the Helpline Help is available. Recovery is possible. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, Inc., oversees a 24-hour helpline, aimed at assisting people whose lives are impacted by gambling related problems. Whether it be the individual themselves, or frie...

08/18/2026

💜 Walk for Hope. Walk for Healing. Walk for Recovery. 💜

Join Open Rhodes 2 Recovery and the recovery community for the Pittsburgh Recovery Walk on September 12, 2026! This is a powerful opportunity to come together, celebrate recovery, show support, and remind our community that recovery is possible.

🚌 Open Rhodes 2 Recovery is leading a van from our area, with space available for members of the recovery community, SCA, Twin Lakes, UPMC, and anyone who would like to attend.

📅 Sign up by September 1, 2026 to reserve your seat!

💜 One Walk. One Voice. One Recovery Community.

08/03/2026

08/01/2026

Thank you to Come AS U R Ministries for organizing this eye opening event! A viewing of Blind Eyes Opened and panel discussion was impactful.

Human trafficking takes many forms and happens in our community. It’s important to educate yourself and know what resources are available to you! There are many here in our community - Victim Services Inc., Bedford-Somerset DBHS / Cornerstone Community Services, Center for Community Resources, and many more!

07/31/2026

Reconnect. Recharge. Recover. 🌿💚

Spending time in nature is a powerful way to support both our mental and physical well-being. Join us for Nature Recovery Connection, a free event designed to help you unwind, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors!

Participants can enjoy:
🥾 Guided nature hikes
🛶 Kayaking (registration required; space is limited)
🧘 Yoga
🎯 Lawn games
🌲 Time to explore Pennsylvania’s beautiful state parks

📍 August 12 – Yellow Creek State Park
📍 August 19 – Cook Forest State Park

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, boost your mood, or simply spend time outside, this is a great opportunity to experience the healing benefits of nature.

👉 Check out the flyers below for event details and registration information. We hope to see you there!

07/29/2026

Every step we take helps raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind those struggling that they are not alone.

Please join Crossroads and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Twin Lakes for the 3rd Annual Recovery Walk to Overdose Awareness. Together we’ll honor those we’ve lost, celebrate recovery, and strengthen our community’s commitment to prevention, treatment, and hope.

💜 Recovery is possible.
💜 Every life matters.
💜 We all have a role to play.

We hope you’ll walk with us!

07/23/2026

Check out The Daily American to vote for their best of Somerset County contest. UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Twin Lakes was a top 5 finalist for Best Counseling Center. Help us make the top 3!

Thanks for all who voted!