Compass Mark - Science-Based Addiction Prevention

For 60 years, Compass Mark has delivered science-based addiction prevention programs that improve the health and well-being of children, youth, and adults across Lancaster, Lebanon, and Chester Counties.

Why Addiction Prevention MattersProgram Facilitator Laurel Greer leads Wheatland Middle School students in Compass Marks's Positive Actions program

Expert resources show that almost 70 percent of adolescents who misuse drugs before age 13 will develop a substance use disorder (i.e. addiction) within seven years. 1 in 4 people who begin using drugs or alcohol before the age of 18 will also develop an addiction later in life. Compass Mark programs build the decision-making skills young people need to steer clear of behavior linked to addiction.

“I have seen students use the skills and strategies taught through Positive Action.”
- Classroom teacher

Prevention Pays Off Compass Mark Program Manager Casey Horning coaches students on healthy refusal skills

For every $1 spent on evidence-based programming, $18 is saved in future costs to schools, health care, and the criminal justice system. That means your gift to Compass Mark is a direct investment in the future health of your community.

“My students all remembered the anger management skill and were able to do it later when they needed it.” 
- Classroom teacher

Here’s how far your gift can go:

What We Do

Program Manager Venessa Welker leading our Skills For Life programCompass Mark offers evidence-based programs at each early stage of the Continuum of Care, a framework from the Institute of Medicine that matches prevention efforts to people’s behaviors and risk factors.

Prevention gives people the facts and skills they need to stop unhealthy behaviors and substance use disorders before they start. Our programs fall into four levels:

Promotion programs help people strengthen their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Universal programs reach an entire population, such as every student in a school or grade.The Institute of Medicine's Continuum of Care for substance use disorder

Selective programs support groups with a higher-than-average risk of substance misuse.

Indicated programs support individuals who already misuse substances or engage in behaviors that put them at high risk of starting.

Compass Mark has programs tailored to every level. You may also hear these levels described in schools through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): Tier 1 (Universal), Tier 2 (Selective), and Tier 3 (Indicated).

"To recharge my battery when I’m worried, I can read a book, go for a walk, take a nap, drink some water, or try talking to someone." 
- Positive Action student

What We Don’t Do

Scare tactic programs often backfire leading to increased use among our most high-risk youth. Scare tactic programs can increase skepticism about the harms associated with substance use thanks to hyperbolic messaging. Furthermore, this skepticism can extend to all drug prevention programs, even if those programs are backed by science, leading to an unwillingness to engage.

Our Programs

Our programs are evidence-based, a formal designation meaning our work is backed by scientific research and held to strict standards, so best practices lead to the best outcomes. 

• School Prevention - Effective school prevention programs help students develop the skills to communicate with others, make decisions, and cope with uncomfortable feelings, all of which lower their risks for substance use, gambling, and mental health challenges.
• Skills for Life - Our highest "dosage" of prevention, Skills for Life moves young people experimenting with alcohol & other drugs toward futures free from addiction. Facilitators provide a judgment-free, confidential environment where youth learn valuable life skills such as managing anger, communicating effectively, and setting realistic goals for the future.
• Families Forward - Our program coordinators work to identify, support, and advocate for the unique needs and rights of children with incarcerated parents. The program helps families and caregivers connect with community supports and maintain healthy parent-child relationships.
• Addiction Resource Center - If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, drugs, or gambling, our Information & Referral Team connects you with community resources and helps you navigate your options.
• Training & Development - Our training department offers quality, research-informed workshops for educators and other adults with an interest in healthy communities. We specialize in training school personnel to respond to child and adolescent behavioral health issues.