February is often thought of as the month of love, and with Valentine’s Day approaching, many of us are already thinking about care, connection, and the people who matter most. This season offers a chance to look at love a little differently—not just as a romantic idea, but as how we show up for ourselves and one another in ways that protect health and help save lives.
January is a time for reflection, and for recommitting ourselves to the work ahead. As we step into a new year, we are taking a moment to look back at the progress made in Monroe County over the past year and to share what’s on the horizon.
The holidays bring together what we value most—family, friends, and community. But amid the cheer, there’s also an increase in risk. With travel, parties, and the pressure to relax or fit in, it’s easy for substance use to slip under the radar. In Monroe County and across Pennsylvania, fentanyl continues to be the leading cause of overdose deaths—and it’s showing up in places many wouldn’t expect.
In every community, there are people who have felt unseen or unheard — unsure if they belong, if their story matters, or if there’s a place for them to start again. At NorthBound & Co., that feeling of exclusion is what drives their mission: to create spaces where everyone is welcome, especially those navigating barriers tied to finances, justice involvement, recovery, or identity.
October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time to shine a light on both prevention and treatment. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is often misunderstood, but the reality is clear: it’s not a moral failing—it’s a medical condition. Treatment requires a system of care that addresses the full person, and that system should be accessible, compassionate, and stigma-free.
This summer, Deb was everywhere—classrooms, fairs, community events—spreading prevention education and lifesaving resources to people of all ages.