U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) announced $125,000 in federal funding for the Kearny Prevention Coalition, a local group of volunteers and professionals working towards a coordinated effort to reduce youth substance use.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I’m proud of the strong coalitions throughout our state that are committed to working together to tackle these real challenges, and these grants have proven an effective tool in reducing rates of alcohol, tobacco and prescription drug use among tens of thousands of teens,” Menendez said in a statement.
“Combatting the opioid epidemic and preventing substance abuse among our young New Jerseyans requires a comprehensive, coordinated approach at the community level and this funding will ensure that happens.”
The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grants have been awarded to local coalitions in New Jersey to continue their efforts in combating the opioid epidemic, and in preventing and reducing substance use and abuse among young people across the state.
“I know from my time as Mayor of Newark that community programs are essential to addressing youth substance use,” added Booker.
“These programs empower young people with the resources, support, and guidance they need at an early age to avoid dangerous substances that can cause health complications or tragic overdoses. I am proud to see local organizations in our state receive this federal funding that will help them continue their efforts to reduce substance use and serve our most vulnerable children.”
DFC Support Program grants are awarded through a partnership between the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The grants are designed to establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies, as well as federal, state, local, and tribal governments to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth.
Additionally, they aim to reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse.
The Salem County Health Communities Coalition, the Madison Chatham Coalition, and the Community in Crisis in Bernardsville all also received $125,000 each in this round of funding.
