In Monroe County, prevention doesn’t take a summer break—and neither does Debra Hartley. As a passionate prevention specialist and community educator, Deb is taking bold steps this summer to engage youth, families, and local organizations across our County with programs designed to empower, educate, and protect.
From summer camps to community events, Deb is creating safe spaces for learning, leadership, and life-saving information. Here’s what she’s working on this season:
K–5 Summer Camp Prevention Program
Deb is partnering with Steve from Chestnuthill Township and the Pleasant Valley School District to bring free, age-appropriate prevention education to elementary school students in grades K–5 at Chestnuthill Township Park. These summer day camps focus on building awareness and life skills, with fun and interactive programming tailored to younger learners.
The goal is clear: start early, and start strong. By introducing healthy habits, coping skills, and foundational knowledge about substance safety, Deb is helping kids build the tools they need to grow up strong and informed.
Stay tuned for a full schedule and registration info.
Youth Empowerment Employment & Education Program
Teens need support, structure, and purpose—and Deb’s prevention work includes just that. This summer, she’s helping coordinate a free youth employment and education program for ages 14 and up.
This initiative offers more than just a summer job. It introduces young people to the values of responsibility, self-awareness, and leadership—while weaving in real-life education around substance use prevention and decision-making. More details to come!
Community Inclusion Through Education
Deb is also working closely with Monroe County Adult Services to provide free, inclusive education sessions for individuals with physical and emotional challenges. These presentations are designed to be clear, respectful, and empowering—ensuring every community member has access to life-saving information, regardless of their circumstances.
Expanding Outreach: Scouts, 4-H, Children & Youth
The calendar is filling up fast, but Deb is actively working to coordinate programs with:
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
- 4-H youth organizations
- Children & Youth services
- Fentanyl awareness and prevention education workshops
These programs aim to embed education in existing youth development spaces, meeting kids and families where they are—and creating strong ripple effects in the process. More details to follow.
Supporting the Adults Who Support Our Kids
Deb is also developing professional development sessions and staff speaking engagements for local agencies like:
- Head Start
- YES Program
These trainings will equip educators and youth workers with the knowledge they need to spot risks, share prevention messaging, and support students and families with compassion and confidence.
SUMMER EVENT APPEARANCES
In addition to coordinating programs, Deb will be participating in several major public events this summer:
June 19, 20 & 22 – Pocono Raceway | Prevention and outreach at the D&A stand
June 21 – Women’s Expo at Stroudsburg High School | 10 AM–1 PM | Free to the public
August 17-23 – West End Fair | All week on the main midway
August 31 – Monroe County Overdose Awareness Day | Wesleyan Church, Stroudsburg (Part of Worldwide Overdose Awareness Day)
Prevention Is a Community Effort
Deb’s summer programs reflect what we believe at We Fight Fentanyl: prevention is powerful, and education saves lives. By meeting people of all ages with information, empathy, and empowerment, we can create a safer, stronger Monroe County—together.
Stay tuned for updates on program dates, sign-ups, and resources.
Want Deb to speak at your school, organization, or event?
Contact Deb at dhartley@cmpda.cog.pa.us.