OUR STORY
In 2016 at the height of the opioid epidemic, community leaders came together to form the Cambria County Drug Coalition. Overdose deaths had reached an all time high of 94, almost doubling from the previous year’s 58. Cambria County was ranked second in Pennsylvania for overdose deaths per capita.
On September 14, 2016, the CCDC was announced. In 2017 the CCDC was approved for the federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program through the Office of National Drug Control Policy. This is the nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent and reduce substance use among youth. The CCDC follows this national model by engaging all community members through various committees. Working with Law Enforcement, Healthcare, Drug Treatment and Recovery, Community Education and Prevention Education for Youth allows the CCDC to identify and respond to the substance use disorder (SUD) issues unique to Cambria County.
Now in year 5 of the 10-year grant process the CCDC is positioned to build capacity, sustainability, and collaboration for the reduction of individuals experiencing a substance use disorder and ultimately overdose deaths.
OUR MISSION
Creating Drug Free Communities across Cambria County through substance use disorder prevention, access to treatment and the celebration of recovery.
OUR VISION
Through collaborative advocacy, all residents of Cambria County recognize substance use disorder (SUD) as a brain disease and know how to find treatment. Youth SUD prevention braids together evidence-based programming and community engagement. SUD treatment is equitably accessible for all residents regardless of location in the county. Individuals in recovery can find meaningful employment, community support and a high-quality way of life.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Download a PDF of our 2021 financial report.
Download a PDF of our 2022 financial report.
Download a PDF of our 2023 financial report.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Josh Yoder, Chair CCDC, Executive Director, Community Action Partnership
Susan Mann, Vice Chair CCDC, President 1889 Foundation
Terrence Shook, Fiscal Agent CCDC, CPA, Barnes, Saly and Company
Brandon Bailey, Director of Educational Services, Richland School District
Amy Bradley, President and CEO, Cambria Regional Chamber
Thomas Chernisky, President Cambria County Commissioner
Chad Miller, Captain of Police, City of Johnstown Police Department
Jeannine McMillan, Executive Director, Pathways Community HUB, 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health
Jeanne Spencer MD, Chair Family Medicine, Director, Family Medicine Residency, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Gerald Zahorchak DEd, Associate Professor of Education and Division Chair, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Durean Coleman, Interim Executive Director, Peniel Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center
Diane Chesnutwood, Human Resources Director, National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining
STAFF
Nichole Rousell, Interim Executive Director
Project Coordinator
Michelle Brown, Prevention Specialist
Aly Bender-Murgas, Botvin LifeSkills Training Programs Administrator
Peggy Beppler, Administrative Support Specialist
“The CCDC will bring together law enforcement, treatment, and prevention. Law enforcement works to take down dealers who bring this plague into our neighborhoods. Treatment provides support for those addicted who want to be clean and build a future for themselves and their children. Finally, prevention programs will give young people the skills to avoid addiction and develop pro-social behaviors through engaging programming.”