Two members of the Bucks County Community College staff, Dawn Pullin and Emily Sexton, in charge of operating the Collegiate Recovery Program are working to break the stigma of the often-unspoken topic of recovery.
The need for a Collegiate Recovery program within the Bucks community was recognized two years ago, when a grant was awarded to Pullin. Additionally, in September 2024, the Bucks CRP received a supplemental grant through the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission.
These funds have been channeled directly into the Collegiate Recovery Program, creating a nurturing and comforting environment for the students involved in the program. Located in the student services building, the Collegiate Recovery Program room feels like a safe haven, outfitted with a comfy sofa, coloring pages, zen music, and snacks – all provided at no cost to the students.
As put by Sexton, ‘’Having events really brings awareness and acceptance to people in recovery and we’ve got nothing but positive feedback about that. They also really do love our lounge- whenever students want, they come in here, they scan this [QR code] and they’ve been leaving us feedback and it’s all really awesome.”
For interested students, involvement is easy- they can contact Sexton through her email listed on the CRP website. While the CRP aims to reduce the stigma surrounding recovery, student involvement can be a confidential matter. Those in recovery, those who know someone in recovery, or even students who want to be educated on recovery are all welcome.
The Collegiate Recovery Program also spends a significant portion of their time focusing on educational outreach. Narcan, fentanyl, and xylazine testing strips are available at any time, no questions asked for students on campus.
Once a month, the CRP hosts a wellness event at each of the three Bucks campuses. On Nov. 19, from 12 – 1 p.m. in the Rollins Solarium, the Savage Sisters will present ‘’Drug Trends, Harm Reduction and Overdose Reversal.”
However, the crowning achievement for the CRP is their annual Recovery and Mental Health Resource Fair. According to Sexton, last years’ fair boasted 45 organizations – this year, that amount is expected to double.
Last year, Nicholas Emeigh was a guest speaker. This year, the torch was passed to Brandon Novak, a significant recovery influencer. For those interested, The Recovery and Mental Health Resource Fair will take place on March 8.
Those interested in the events, or in the program itself should not hesitate to get involved. The CRP is a welcoming, judgment free environment that aims to aid students in any way possible. The work of the Collegiate Recovery Program aims to erase the stigma around recovery, and student involvement is a key factor in this.