Wednesday, January 29, 2003

2003 Alcoholism/Drug Abuse Plan Adopted

Atlantic County has adopted its 2003 Alcoholism/Drug Abuse Plan that serves as a guideline for the funding of drug and alcohol services through the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation grant. The plan includes the renewal of more than $391,000 in professional service agreements with local providers, according to County Executive Dennis Levinson.

The Alcoholism/Drug Abuse Plan is a coordinated effort of county government, drug treatment providers, community volunteers and the Local Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Its goal is to address the treatment, education and prevention needs of county residents by ensuring the quality and delivery of services, expanding the continuum of care and providing prevention and education services aimed at reducing substance use among youth.

"These professional service agreements are a clear indication of Atlantic County's commitment to maintaining a complete alcohol and drug abuse treatment service matrix," stated Levinson.

Under the agreement approved by the Board of Freeholders, contracts were awarded to: Amity House; the ARC of Atlantic County; Atlantic Prevention Resources; AtlantiCare Behavioral Health; Career Opportunity Development, Inc.; Family Service Association; Hendricks House; the Institute for Human Development; Lighthouse Recovery Services, Inc.; and Maryville, Inc.

Contracts for services related to the county's Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) were also approved; one in the amount of $45,881 for certified alcohol counselors and another in the amount of $61,960 with Camp Haluwasa, Inc. for the provision of space and meals for 10 IDRC sessions.

For more information, please contact the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-7700, ext. 4323.

County News