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On April 18, 2024, SOS Berks dedicated a new recovery-themed mural. More than 50 people attended the dedication ceremony, which took place inside the Albright College public art studio at the Total Experience Learning Building, where parts of the mural were painted. Attendees walked one block from the studio to view the mural, which is located in a high traffic area at the corner of 11th & Richmond Streets.
Learn more about our Mural Project
On May 7, 2024, the ribbon was cut on a new, interactive “smart” vending machine located in the lobby of the Reading YMCA, 631 Washington St, Reading PA.
In June, the SOS Berks Healthcare and Treatment Committee hosted a luncheon and invited leaders in the Berks County African American community to hear a presentation and engage in a conversation on how to reduce African American overdose deaths in the county. More than 20 people community leaders attended the event including church leaders, magisterial district justices, business owners, community non-profits and more.
On April 17, SOS Berks hosted their third simulation at Penn State Berks, with about 80 people in attendance, including both participants and numerous volunteers.
Learn more about the Recovery Simulation
On August 15, SOS Berks and Berks Counseling Center co-sponsored the 3rd Annual Recovery Awareness Night at the Reading Fightin’ Phils. The event consisted of 16 recovery organizations and treatment providers, who helped give away over 600 free Recovery Awareness Night t-shirts. More than 7,000 people attended the game.
Learn more about the special night
On August 26, an estimated 25 people gathered at City Park in Reading for a flag-raising ceremony in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, which takes place annually on August 31.
This included the Summer 2024 The Response issue that focused on Community Collaborations. The magazine is available online and in print.
On Sept 19-21, we were at the Oley Fair, where we provided a ‘What’s in a Vape’ display, as well as recovery resources. We also helped celebrate Pride at the Reading Pride Festival on July 21 at Jim Dietrich Park.
On Saturday, April 27, members of SOS Berks joined up with the Berks County Medical Society, the Berks County District Attorney’s office and the Reading Fightin’ Phils to host a Drug Take Back event at FirstEnergy stadium. A total of 250 pounds of medication were collected, include 24 pounds of prescription drugs.
Learn more about Drug Take Back Day
SOS Berks has developed a handout that offers simple tips for safe medication management and disposal. The handouts will be made available to senior living facilities in Berks County, as well as other health care-related industries.
