The Cumberland-Perry Drug and Alcohol Commission is a public Executive Commission and a part of the county’s broader human services system. It operates out of the Cumberland County Dennis Marion Public Services Building in Carlisle, near the Courthouse, and serves both Cumberland and Perry Counties.
Under the joint direction of the Boards of County Commissioners in both Cumberland and Perry Counties, the Commission functions as the Single County Authority (SCA) in fulfillment of state contracts and regulations. An Executive Director is employed by the county commissioners to serve as staff to the Commission and is responsible for the overall management of the drug and alcohol system.
The Executive Director manages public funds for drug and alcohol services, including contracting with providers who, along with the Commission, serve the community. The Commission partners with local community-based organizations for the delivery of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services—with one exception. The Commission directly provides case management, prevention, and early intervention services (Student Assistance Programming) in Cumberland County. All service providers are approved or licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in accordance with the State Plan for Drug and Alcohol Services and state regulations.
The agency operates based on a cluster of core beliefs about appropriate substance abuse prevention strategies, effective intervention, and the nature of addiction. Whether offering training, consultation, technical assistance, evaluation, referral, or support, these beliefs and evidence-informed practices guide its actions.
For example, the Commission believes that alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems are health-related issues. We believe that addiction to alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs constitutes a primary disease. And because we know addiction affects the entire family, we believe that non-addicted family members may need as much support, intervention, and care as the individuals struggling with addiction.
The Commission has a public advisory board that meets several times a year. You can reach us at 717.240.6300 or toll-free at 866.240.6300.