West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission

04/11/2026

What Does a Public Health Approach Look Like?

During National Public Health Week (April 6–12), it’s important to understand what support really means when it comes to substance use.

A public health approach focuses on people, not blame.

It looks like:
• Prevention education in schools and communities
• Early support before challenges escalate
• Access to treatment and recovery services
• Harm reduction tools that keep people safe
• Partnerships that connect individuals to care

No single solution works for everyone. That’s why a strong system of support matters.

When communities invest in prevention, education, and care, we create pathways for healthier outcomes — for everyone.

Support systems matter. And they work.

West Branch Drug & Alcohol. Lighting the way since 1974.

04/09/2026

Substance Use Is a Public Health Issue

During National Public Health Week (April 6–12), we’re reminded that substance use is not a moral failure. It is a public health issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities.

Substance use and substance use disorder are influenced by many factors -- including mental health, environment, access to care, and life experiences. No one is immune, and no one should have to navigate it alone.

When we shift away from blame and toward understanding, we create space for real support and meaningful change.

Strong communities are built on connection, compassion, and access to resources. Prevention, education, treatment, and recovery support all play a role.

Support systems matter. People matter.

Support, education, and resources are here when you need them. So are we.

Lighting the way since 1974.

04/07/2026

What Does It Mean When Drinking Starts to Affect Your Health and Well-Being?

Not all drinking patterns look the same, and not all impacts are obvious.

Sometimes, alcohol use can shift in ways that affect your health over time. This might look like:

• Drinking more than you intended
• Using alcohol to cope with stress or emotions
• Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects
• Noticing changes in your sleep, mood, or daily routines
Moderate drinking guidelines are:
• Up to 1 drink per day for women
• Up to 2 drinks per day for men

But numbers only tell part of the story. What matters most is how alcohol is affecting your health, your safety, and your life.

Many people don’t recognize when their habits begin to shift.

Checking in with yourself is a powerful first step. Awareness creates the opportunity to make informed, healthier choices.

Support, education, and resources are here when you need them. So are we.

Lighting the way since 1974.

04/03/2026

Great night celebrating our SFP 10-14 graduates at our program at Sugar Valley Rural Charter School! We had 6 families graduate with 7 youth participating. So proud of these families!

04/03/2026

West Branch Drug & Alcohol will be closed on Friday, April 3.

While our office is closed, support is still available.

Our crisis line remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (570) 220 - 9799.

If you or someone you love needs immediate support, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Lighting the way since 1974.

04/03/2026

Our office is closed today, on-call staff are available

04/03/2026

April is Alcohol Awareness Month.

Alcohol use exists on a spectrum. Taking a moment to check in on your habits is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a sign of awareness, and awareness is where change begins.

Whether you are questioning your relationship with alcohol, supporting someone else, or simply learning more, you are not alone.

Support, education, and resources are here when you need them. And so are we.

Lighting the way since 1974.

04/01/2026

📍 LOCK HAVEN! Same mission… brand new office!

📌 Please note- all operations remain the same in the Williamsport office.

03/31/2026

Speaking of which… We are handing out Narcan today 1-430pm at River Valley Health and Dental Center in front of their Express Care!

03/30/2026

Lydia is celebrating 4 years with The Commission! She is our Strengthening Families Program Coordinator. Help us congratulate her on this accomplishment! 👏

03/27/2026

03/26/2026

Recovery support can begin at many different points in a person’s journey — including during incarceration.

At Lycoming County Prison*, West Branch Drug & Alcohol provides services designed to help individuals address substance use and prepare for a healthier transition back into the community.

These services include drug and alcohol assessments, as well as coordination of care and re-entry support, which connects individuals to treatment referrals and case management services before they return to the community.

Certified Recovery Support Specialists also provide recovery groups twice each week, along with individual support as needed, helping individuals explore recovery pathways and build support networks.

Additional programming includes psycho-educational groups focused on trauma, anger management, and emotional regulation, as well as partnerships that support medication-assisted treatment for those who need it.

Recovery support can start anywhere — including during incarceration.







*Image used is a stock photo and does not depict Lycoming County Prison.