CTSI Partner Spotlight Chris Cooper
Drug and Alcohol Counselor & Assistant Professor, Clinical Outcomes Group Inc. & Kutztown University
In our Partner Spotlight series, we highlight the dedicated individuals and organizations collaborating with Penn State CTSI to create healthier, more engaged communities.
If you are familiar with the efforts to improve health outcomes and address substance use in Schuylkill County, you likely know the impactful work of Christopher A. Cooper, MA, LPC, NCC, CTP. As a Drug and Alcohol Counselor for Clinical Outcomes Group Inc. (COGI) and an Assistant Professor at Kutztown University, Cooper serves on the substance use and addiction Schuylkill task force. This initiative is directly tied to the Penn State CTSI Schuylkill Community-Driven Research Day, which brings together community leaders and researchers to showcase grassroots innovations and build partnerships addressing rural health challenges.
Providing Care and Support for Recovery
Cooper's main goal is to make sure people struggling with addiction get the best possible care for their specific needs. COGI is a non-profit treatment center in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
"It seeks to provide quality treatment services to those struggling with a variety of addictions," he notes. They offer different types of counseling and medical treatments. Right now, COGI is focused on helping clients build strong foundations for recovery. They do this by using methods to understand and respect a person's past trauma.
Research That Makes a Real Difference
A great result of Dr. Cooper's work with Penn State CTSI is understanding exactly what clients in Schuylkill County need.
The task force recently finished a collaborative project. Soon, they will hand out easy-to-read guides to the community. This will help clients and their families know exactly where to find good care and resources. In the future, Dr. Cooper wants to keep looking for "gaps" in care to see how doctors and counselors can help more.
What Inspires Him
When asked why he does this work, Dr. Cooper says he just wants to serve others. "Helping others is the majority of what inspires me to any work," he shares.
Seeing real results keeps him going. "Seeing research outcomes become tangible and thus make an impact also particularly encourages me to continue the long work," he adds.
The Power of Teamwork
Cooper believes working with Penn State CTSI is key to COGI's mission. "Being able to collaborate with CTSI allows for individuals on the ground, actively ensuring the most accurate information to the research collective," he explains. He loves working with the task force because it brings "local and bright minds to help the people in my community."
For groups wanting to build strong partnerships, Cooper suggests meeting in person or on video. He says a real conversation makes a much bigger impact than just sending emails back and forth. Knowing the names and faces of the people you work with creates a stronger team.
Getting to Know Dr. Cooper
What he wants you to know about his work: Substance use doesn't happen in a bubble. A huge number of Americans struggle with it, and their families are affected too. Almost everyone knows someone dealing with addiction. The best thing a person can do is ask for help.
How he recharges: Outside of work, he loves running. He is also a big sci-fi fan and enjoys playing tabletop games with friends.
What a "win" looks like for him: A successful discharge from treatment. He loves seeing someone move from their darkest days to becoming a healthy, happy person who has beaten their addiction.
A lesson that has stuck with him: Helping people is hard work. He compares it to making steel with hammering, heat, and sparks. But the strong, finished product is worth it. Change only happens through hard work and determination.
Fun facts: He is a big gardener. He has a special greenhouse in his backyard that grows great vegetables without any weeds! He would also love to have dinner with the famous psychologist Carl Rogers to hear his stories.
Something surprising about his organization: COGI also offers a wellness program for people who are not struggling with addiction. They partner with first responders to give them care when their stressful jobs become too much.