The Upper Freehold-Allentown Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse is working to raise awareness about the issues of drug and alcohol abuse in those two communities.
Alliance coordinator Debbie Minnick, who is a certified drug and alcohol counselor, said she has seen the alliance move in a positive direction in the eight years she has been with the agency.
“We have put programs about drug abuse in our schools and we always start new campaigns to spread the word about these problems in our communities,” Minnick said.
The alliance’s mission is “to serve as the official coordinating body for the planning, awareness and education of substance abuse prevention efforts on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by promoting safe lifestyles.”
According to Minnick, the work of the alliance goes beyond the mission statement.
“We always look for a more diverse and larger membership, and at our meetings we try to get all members of the community to have a voice to try and raise awareness about some issues that some do not really see the true consequences of,” she said. “We welcome people in recovery at our meetings, but we also like to see professionals in the health field and parents come out to have their opinions be heard.”
The alliance is working on a state campaign known as “Parents Who Host Lose the Most.”
According to the alliance’s website, the campaign seeks to educate parents about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol to underage individuals at parties or events held on their property. The campaign is occurring at a time when young people are celebrating occasions such as proms and graduation, according to Minnick.
“We are trying to make people aware that serving underage individuals alcohol is against the law, and the civil and legal liability is very bad. Fines (for serving alcohol) are usually in the amount of $15,000 and can result in an individual serving about five years in prison. As part of this campaign we are making and distributing pledge cards to parents who say no to serving alcohol to children on their property,” she said.
In another program offered by the alliance, seventh-graders are given the opportunity to wear goggles that simulate what it would be like to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Also, there are programs for younger students that teach them about substance abuse, peer pressure, bullying, friendship and trust, according to Minnick.
The alliance receives funding from grants and is supported by Upper Freehold and Allentown.
According to Minnick, Upper Freehold Township and Allentown contribute a total of $5,500 toward a cash match of $9,987. The alliance strives to raise the remainder of the cash match funds required by the grant. The grant funding for all municipal alliances comes from the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
The alliance has found creative ways to fundraise in recent years, having held mother and son bowling bonding days, daddy-daughter dances and motorcycle shows.
An upcoming event will be the “Car Show for Prevention 2015,” which will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. June 24 at the Cream Ridge Golf Course, 181 Route 539, Cream Ridge.
“All makes and models of cars are welcome, and there will be door prizes, judging and awards from several categories. There will also be music, food and beverages. There is no entry fee; however, donations in any amount are welcome. Our car shows are always a great success, and we have been having them for about 10 years,” Minnick said.
She said the alliance’s members want to keep conversations going about the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.
“Once we get more people in our alliance, we will get different opinions which are always welcome. Underage drinking is a big problem in our town and it is our priority to put a stop to it,” Minnick said.
For more information about the alliance, visit www.ufaalliance.org or call 609-570- 5376.