FREEHOLDERS GRANT $55,268 TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE IN CHERRY HILL
For Immediate Release: February 22, 2008
Contacts: KEN SHUTTLEWORTH 609-472-8837 (cell)

Camden County Freeholders have granted Cherry Hill Township $55,268 to help fund 12 separate programs aimed at preventing drug abuse through education in the community for a variety of age groups.

It is part of a larger grant the county receives from the state to distribute to each of the 37 municipalities in Camden County under the state’s Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction (DEDR) program, according to Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the county’s department of health and human services. The grant is substantially enhanced with another $55,000 in matching cash and in-kind services.

Ms. Rodriguez said the funds will be used to finance Red Ribbon Week for about 900 middle school students and about 300 elementary students. Included will be a roller skating party and 10 school assemblies organized by Peer Leaders. Another special event is a Family Festival in the spring that draws on all aspects of the community – schools, police, business and health care facilities to focus attention on healthy lifestyles.

There is also “cinematic reflections,” an evening of a movie and review addressing topics such as depression, suicide, disabilities, drugs and alcohol; Project Graduation, a drug free party on graduation night and an Adopt-a-Cop initiative aimed at improving relations between police and students.

Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said $500 will be used for a community teen fair with bands promoting healthy lifestyles and making drug free choices.

Cappelli said funding was approved at the Feb. 21 freeholder meeting in Lawnside.

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