Council Connection
Summer Edition
June/July 2012 
Summer Updates
Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use Hearing Schedule Set
GCADA Committee and Subcommittee Membership
"Last Call" for Summit Proposals
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Greetings!

 

As the summer season begins we wanted to share the latest GCADA update. 

 

This installment of Council Connection features the Council's Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey Youth and Young Adults.  The first public hearing held at the New Jersey Statehouse on May 29th brought forth compelling testimony that provided valuable insight into an issue that has reached epidemic proportions. 

 

In addition to news about the Task Force, you will also find information about membership in four Council subcommittees as well as Municipal Alliance representation on the Prevention and Public Awareness Committee.  Lastly, don't miss the "Last Call" for the 21st annual Summit Call for Proposals!

 

Thank you and have a healthy and safe Independence Day.

 

Very truly yours,

John Hulick

 

Executive Director

 

Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by NJ Youth and Young Adults Hearing Schedule Set

First Hearing Held at Statehouse

 

The Council has announced the hearing schedule of its Task Force on Heroin and Other Opiate Use by New Jersey's Youth and Young Adults. The Task Force was established to tackle the pressing issue of heroin and other opiate use by New Jersey's youth and young adults which have increased dramatically over recent years.

 

Task Force Chairman Frank Greenagel of Rutgers University stated, "In the face of recently analyzed 2011 admissions data that continues to find an alarming increase in heroin and other opiate use admissions of New Jersey's youth and young adults, it is time for the Task Force to get down to business. I look forward to hearing from affected individuals; their family members, who at times have tragically lost their loved ones to this epidemic; and, experts as we seek to address this serious problem confronting our State. 

 

The next Task Force hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 10th at Daytop-New Jersey in Mendham.  For the address and directions to Daytop's Mendham location click here.

 

For more Task Force information and additional hearing dates click here.

  

Task Force Statehouse Hearing held May 29th

 

In a riveting Statehouse moment, one 21-year-­old Rutgers student testified he took some oxycodone that was prescribed for his father and became addicted to it during his senior year in high school. "In the middle of active addiction you don't value your own life. My  life meant nothing to me. I didn't care if I lived or died. It did not matter to me," said the student identified only as Ryan.  Ryan, who testified he twice attempted to end his life, is now in recovery for three years.

 

The Task Force also heard testimony from Meg DuPont Parisi and Kass Foster, both of whom tragically lost their young sons, Patrick and Christian, to opiate overdoses. 

 

"We need to start early and start hard to raise awareness," said Meg Parisi.  Kass Foster added, "I feel like I'm on the front lines of a war, a battle that never ends, with our kids as the casualties."

 

To read more news coverage of the Statehouse hearing please click here.

 

GCADA Seeks Subcommittee Members  

 

GCADA is seeking membership for the four subcommittees of its Policy and Planning Committee: Criminal Justice; Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders; Military and Veterans; and, Treatment and Recovery.

 

The subcommittees' tasks are to review and advise the Council regarding services in each respective area as they relate to alcoholism and drug abuse. This includes identifying gaps, best practices and initiatives in the defined area. Recommendations will be made to the Policy and Planning Committee.

  

For more information and the subcommittee application form please click here.
 
Prevention and Public Awareness Committee
 
GCADA is also seeking membership from four Municipal Alliances to serve as representatives to its
Prevention and Public Awareness Committee. The representatives must reflect the geographic,
socio-economic and ethnic diversity of the Municipal Alliances.

The committee's tasks are to review and advise the Council regarding services in the area of prevention as they relate to alcoholism and drug abuse. This includes identifying gaps, best practices and public awareness initiatives. Recommendations will be made to the Policy and
Planning Committee.
 
For more information and the committee application form please click here.
"Last Call" for Summit Call for Proposals 

 

GCADA seeks proposals for the Annual Summit from a diverse group of experienced professionals on topics related to substance abuse prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery support.
 
All proposals must be received by GCADA before July 1st!
 
Presentations should be designed to be 60 minutes in length and include national perspectives, innovative practices, and emerging trends that offer a collaborative spirit and advocate-driven efforts. Please note that your commitment would be to provide the same program for both a morning and afternoon workshop session.

For additional detail and to download the application please click here.