The Union County Coalition for the Prevention of Substance Abuse

The Union County Coalition for the Prevention of Substance was established in 1995 through a grant from the US Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. The Coalition was formed to increase networking among the Municipal Alliances and other agencies in Union County to enhance substance abuse prevention programs being offered to the community. Since its inception, the Coalition has expanded its scope and has reached all sectors of the community through specialized trainings, programs, and community events. The Coalition’s accomplishments have been made possible through the collaborative efforts of over fifty member agencies and organizations.

The Coalition’s action-oriented Task Forces have been created to target specific sectors of the community and provide relevant prevention programs and services. Professional and community members have an opportunity to participate in a Task Force and share their expertise. The six Task Forces include:
- Business Task Force
- CAP Task Force (Congregational Assistance Program)
- Criminal Task Force
- Parent Task Force
- School/Youth Advisor Task Force
- Youth Task Force

One of the Coalition’s signature community events occurs in October of every year - Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31). Red Ribbon week honors the memory of USDEA Agent, Enrique Camarena and others, who lost their lives in the fight against drugs. The highlight event of the week is Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Day where communities from throughout Union County march to Nomehegan Park, Cranford for a commemorative program and a day filled with free family events. During the previous week, helicopter landings take place at various schools throughout the county and the Air and Army National Guard pilot encourages youth to stay drug free.

The Union County Coalition for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, functioning as an autonomous arm of Prevention Links, Inc. remains committed to providing quality prevention programs to the Union County community. For more information, email UCCoalition@preventionlinks.org or call (732) 381-4100.