SAVE Program Has Helped 178 Addicts In Gloucester Township: Cops

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A total of 178 people who suffer from addiction have received treatment since the launch of the Gloucester Township Police Department’s Project SAVE program in 2014, police said Friday morning. That’s 83 percent of eligible subjects that the police department was able to reach.

Project SAVE focuses on suppression, prevention and intervention in an effort to combat a nationwide narcotic abuse problem. The alcohol and drug counselor, known as a Project SAVE Advocate, has been present in the Gloucester Township Municipal Court to assist defendants suffering from addiction and their family members with providing information about available treatment programs.

The police department announced its results on International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global event held on Aug. 31st each year to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

Township employees also wore purple on Thursday, Aug.30, to show their support of IOAD. Township offices are closed on Friday. Images of the employees are attached to this post.

The SAVE Support Group meets on Wednesdays at the GTPD Family Resource Center located at 1324 Little Gloucester Road Blackwood, NJ 08012. Contact Michele Selfridge/Alyssa Scoleri for details at mselfridge@gtpolice.com, ascoleri@gtpolice.com or call 856-842-5553. Information can also be found on the Gloucester Township Police Department Family Resource Center Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GTPDFRC.