Introducing the new Berks SOS

Co-Chair Kathleen Noll:

I have held several positions in the Drug and Alcohol field for more than 35 years including Evaluator, Case Manager, Supervisor, Data Analyst and COCA’s Assistant Director. However, when I was hired as the Executive Director for the Council on Chemical Abuse, one of the responsibilities I was especially excited about was becoming the Co-chair of SOS Berks. I have been involved in SOS Berks since its inception as a member of the Data Subcommittee. In all of my years of experience in the Drug and Alcohol field, I have never seen a group of people like the SOS Berks membership come together in an effort to impact the overwhelming effects of substance use and addiction. It has been gratifying to be part of this group and see the work that has been done around educating our community about addiction, reducing the stigma surrounding addiction and reducing barriers to treatment and recovery support.

While I have assumed the role of Co-chair for SOS Berks, I will also continue to serve on the Data Subcommittee as this Subcommittee provides valuable information and insights to help drive the efforts of the Coalition. I look forward to enhancing our data collection and analysis to help generate ideas for new SOS Berks initiatives. As Co-chair, I will work with Commissioner Rivera to grow and diversify our membership and enhance our outreach to the Black and Latino communities. Together, Commissioner Rivera and I will strive to keep the SOS membership focused and committed to the mission of preventing overdoses, saving lives and improving the quality of life in Berks County. I am hopeful that many of you will accept Commissioner Rivera’s invitation to join the SOS Berks Coalition and be part of our community’s response to the Opioid Crisis.

• Outpatient Mental Health Counseling

• Individual and/or group therapy

• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

• Certified recovery/peer specialists

• Physical health and wellness services

• Genoa Pharmacy on site (for both you and your family)