The Burlington County Commissioners are sending financial assistance to all 40 county municipalities to help them create or support local substance-abuse prevention programs.
The commissioners voted recently to appropriate $200,000 from the county’s opioid settlement funds for evidence-based prevention programs in the towns. Each will receive a $5,000 grant to either implement a local program or support an existing one in their community or school district.
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. If a municipal alliance group exists in a town, the funding can be used to support one of its evidence-based programs.
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 settlement funds. Other initiatives include expanding the Hope One mobile outreach unit to create a second unit called Hope One For Youth for county children and teens.
The county also launched, 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-abuse disorder inside and out of their families.
State Assemblywoman Andrea Katz said the county is setting an example for other counties in the fight against substance abuse.
“Burlington County has prioritized substance-use prevention, education and support services for all ages,” she noted. “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.”
