ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY, November 2, 2021 – Prevention is Key, a private, non-profit community-based health organization in Rockaway, NJ announced today it was awarded a FY2021 Drug-Free Communities Support program grant by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The multi-year grant will establish the Jefferson Township Youth Coalition (JTYC) with the goal of strengthening community collaboration in support of local efforts to prevent youth substance use.

“We are thrilled to work with the Jefferson Township community and its key stakeholders to strengthen their community efforts in preventing youth substance use, specifically focusing on minimizing the use of alcohol and marijuana,” said Barbara Kauffman, MA, CPS, Director of Prevention Services at Prevention is Key. 

Eric Wilsusen, Jefferson Township Mayor, expressed his enthusiastic support. “As the Mayor and longtime Jefferson Township resident, I am pleased that our municipality was awarded a CDC-Drug Free Communities program grant. Having raised my children here, I’ve always welcomed the many great youth programs offered in town, and am excited to learn that this grant will assist in bringing more positive and impactful youth services to the community. We thank Prevention is Key and members of our Municipal Alliance Committee for all their hard work on this grant. Great news for Jefferson!”

If you are a Jefferson Township resident and interested in being a part of the Jefferson Township Youth Coalition, please contact Carly Sinnott @ csinnott@mcpik.org or Ashley Brown @ abrown@mcpik.org 

About Prevention is Key

Prevention is Key Inc. (PIK) is a private, non-profit, community-based health organization serving Morris County by providing science-based prevention education programs, professional development training, advocacy, information and referral services, that address issues of substance abuse prevention, recovery support, violence prevention, ATOD dependence and other emerging issues of concern to the community. Prevention is Key is dedicated to the promotion of the health and well-being of our community, preventing substance abuse, addiction, violence, and related issues through heightened awareness, advocacy, education, programs, services, information, and referrals.