Ocean County, NJ -- The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services has awarded a five-year renewable grant to Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention for The DART Coalition of Ocean County. With this grant, which was prepared by the Barnabas Health Foundation, The Coalition will utilize environmental strategies to reduce:
- Prescription drug misuse across the lifespan
- Underage drinking
- The use of illegal substances with a special focus on the use of opioids
The DART Coalition was created in 2009 with an initial goal of reducing alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes within the 18 to 25 year-old population in Brick, Lakewood and Toms River. Since its inception, more than 80 active members have worked to achieve its goal with monthly meetings and evidence-based implementation strategies. Membership is comprised of Ocean County community leaders including law enforcement and government officials, educators, business owners, substance abuse professionals, clergy, students and other youth.
“With the financial resources provided under the new grant, we will be able to further mobilize the environmental strategies in place and create new initiatives to impact the community,” says Robert Goldschlag, JD, Director, the DART Coalition. Current strategies include a 100 percent proofing initiative with local establishments, a formalized designated driver patron program to encourage and recognize designated drivers and the expansion of the Cops in Shops program in conjunction with Brick, Lakewood and Toms River Police Departments. “The Coalition looks forward to expanding its reach to place focus on the impact of substance abuse in Ocean County.”
Bill Sette, the 2010 – 2011 Coalition Chair, credits the commitment of the Coalition members for the success of past initiatives and the anticipated execution of future priorities outlined under the new grant. “We have a team of dedicated professionals who have made the goal of the Coalition, and the safety and well being of Ocean County residents, their priority,” he explains. “It is with excitement that we move into 2012 and take on new challenges.”
For more information about the DART Coalition or Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention, please visit www.instituteforprevention.com.
Date: January 20, 2012
Contact – Public Relations
ltortorello@barnabashealth.org
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