The Burlington County Commissioners are sending financial assistance to all 40 county municipalities to help create or support local substance use prevention programs.
The Commissioners voted recently to appropriate $200,000 from the County’s opioid settlement funds for evidence-based prevention programs in every Burlington County municipality. Each town will receive a $5,000 grant to either implement a local program or support an existing one in their town or school district.
“Burlington County has made tremendous progress eliminating the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and other mental health conditions, but we know the job is not finished,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Awarding this funding to all 40 municipalities ensures that substance use prevention programs will start or continue across our county so that all children and families can benefit from them.”
There is no cash match or in-kind requirement to receive the funding. Municipalities will be notified of the grant opportunity and how to request the funds reserved for their town or school district.
If a municipal alliance group exists in a town, the funding may be used to support one of its evidence-based programs.
Awarding funding for local prevention efforts was recommended by the Burlington County Regional Advisory Council created to develop plans and recommendations for how the county can best use its share of opioid epidemic settlement funds from drug manufacturers.
Other initiatives launched by the County from the council’s recommendations included expanding the Hope One mobile outreach unit to create a new a unit called Hope One For Youth specializing in serving county children and teens.
The County also launched and then expanded Camp Cardinal, a free day camp program at YMCA of the Pines in Medford exclusively for children who have suffered a loss due to substance use disorder or been impacted by the substance use disorder within their immediate family.
“Our Board has made substance use prevention and support services a priority and we continue to bring education and resources directly into our communities with our mobile outreach units, Hope One and Hope One for Youth, and with our Camp Cardinal day program,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to Burlington County schools. “Using opioid settlement funds to create and support prevention programs across our county is another proactive step to dispel misconceptions and raise awareness about the dangers of substance use at any age.”
New Jersey Assemblywoman Andrea Katz said Burlington County is setting an example for other counties seeking methods to fight substance abuse.
“Burlington County has prioritized substance use prevention, education and support services for all ages,” said Assemblywoman Katz. “It’s gratifying to see them take this action to provide support to every municipality for prevention programs. This ensures that all children will benefit, regardless of where they live.