Calling Faith-Based Leaders

On Thursday, October 6th, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT) managed by FAMILYConnections, is hosting “Faith and Prevention: Impacting Our Future Health” an Interfaith Symposium, sponsored by Horizon NJ Health, at The Life Christian Church in West Orange from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Faith based leaders and congregation members from area churches are invited to attend.

“The Symposium has been organized by ADAPT’s Essex County Interfaith Steering Committee to involve more faith-based leaders in substance abuse prevention,” says Jacques Hryshko, FAMILYConnections’ Executive Director. “They have planned a great event with presentations that will focus on mental and emotional health, nutrition, substance abuse prevention and treatment in Essex County. The program has been designed to give attendees a better understanding of how to help their congregation and anyone else dealing with substance abuse and health related issues.”

The Symposium will include a panel discussion with various professionals on mental health, nutrition and substance abuse. It will also include a discussion about the Faith in Prevention Initiative, a multi-level pilot program, funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, Division of Family Health Services, working with faith-based communities to make changes in their environment and practices that will support healthy eating and physical activity. In addition, members of the West Orange Police Department will present on their new program called Operation HOPE, which is attempting to decrease the heroin epidemic affecting our local communities.

Space is limited. To RSVP, please contact Victoria Joseph at (862) 438-1862 or vjoseph@familyconnectionsnj.org.

ADAPT is a rich, diverse coalition of more than 100 volunteers, including parents, youth, educators, prevention professionals, law enforcement officials, etc., from all over Essex County. Through community-level interventions, ADAPT strives to decrease underage drinking and prescription drug abuse and misuse by residents throughout Essex County while also empowering all residents to choose healthier lifestyles. ADAPT is funded by the NJ division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (NJ DMHAS) and the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

FAMILYConnections is a non-profit counseling and family services agency serving Essex and surrounding Counties with 35+ specialized programs for all ages, offering counseling, skills-building, training and prevention.

To learn more visit: www.essexadapt.org and www.familyconnectionsnj.org.