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According to a June 27th article in “The Record,” the Northern Valley Regional School District has reported a decline in substance abuse cases from 20 in the 2014-15 school year to 16 in 2015-16. During that time, The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources, a program of Children’s Aid and Family Services, has been working with the Northern Valley School District on innovative programs that aim to help teenagers make safe, smart decision about alcohol and drugs.
“The decrease is statistically significant,” said district Superintendent Geoffrey Gordon. “The number of incidents is significantly down in school, and the police chiefs in Demarest and Old Tappan have said incidents are down outside of school, too.” To read the article, click here.
The Center is at the forefront of educational efforts concerning substance abuse in our community and has recently partnered with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to spearhead the Recovery Coach Academy, a response to the growing heroin crisis. The Center is interviewing former opioid users who are living a life of recovery for at least three years and want to serve as volunteer coaches to help others on the path to recovery. The volunteer coaches will be specially trained and support individuals who have been revived by Narcan by motivating them to seek treatment, connecting them to resources and providing follow-up support.
The Center is also spearheading efforts to individuals to provide a stronger system of support for the families facing addiction. Please support these vitally needed efforts to strengthen the community by making a donation today.
