Spring prom season is here and the Burlington County Commissioners want to help keep it safe for all participating teens.
To help encourage prom goers to have a safe, substance-free prom, the Commissioners are once again partnering with the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington County Department of Human Services, the Burlington County Municipal Alliance Program and nonprofit Prevention Plus of Burlington County to distribute prom cards to area florists to place in all prom corsage and boutonniere boxes.
The cards are printed with the following message:
“You’ve planned the night, You’ve picked what to wear. As you celebrate, know we truly care! Make Memories, Not Regrets! Have a Safe and Sober Prom and Graduation! CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025!”
Two thousand of the cards were printed to be distributed to florists this year as part of the County initiative.
“The cards are another prevention tool we’re using to try to increase awareness about the dangers of substance use among all ages,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, the liaison to the Department of Human Services.
“We know prom is a big occasion and milestone for teens. We also know it’s a time when teens may consider using drugs or alcohol. We want to encourage them to make responsible choices,” added Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to Burlington County schools.
Underage drinking is linked to approximately 4,300 deaths each year and can also lead to early addiction, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, motor-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens and almost a third of the fatalities with teen drivers involved underage drinking.
“There is no safe amount of alcohol or safe environment for teens to underage drink. Substance-free proms and graduation celebrations are the only safe and responsible choice and we want to remind teens and their parents of that,” said Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis.
In addition to the prom cards, the Commissioners recently voted to appropriate $200,000 of the County’s opioid settlement funds for evidence-based prevention programs in every Burlington County municipality. Each municipality is eligible to receive a $5,000 grant to implement a new local program or support an existing one in their town or school district.
“Substance use prevention requires us all to work together – schools, municipalities, state, county, parents, businesses and nonprofits,” Hopson said. “Burlington County is doing its part to try to amplify the message that any underage substance use is not safe and not necessary to enjoy their momentous events. We are also making sure every municipality has the ability to start or support a local prevention program.”