DART Prevention Coalition

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween, DART Coalition Members!

It's the last day of October, and we have one more topic we want to discuss: Energy Drinks and Youth.

Energy drinks have gained popularity over the years, with new brands and seasonal flavors being introduced all the time. Despite their popularity, energy drinks are not recommended as a part of a healthy diet - and the combination of ingredients typically found within can pose potential health risks for children and adolescents.

In a blog post from RWJBarnabas Health and RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention & Recovery, experts and familiar faces collaborated to provide you with important facts and advice regarding energy drinks and the health impact to all - especially our youth.

Make sure to read the post before you head into the weekend from Dr. Clare Coda, MD, Amy Piacente-Desch, Senior Prevention Manager, and Morgan Durant, Prevention Specialist - and then check out our one-pager for more information on energy drinks!

Blog Post: https://www.rwjbh.org/blog/2025/october/boost-or-burnout-are-energy-drinks-safe-for-yout/

One-Pager:https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/12eb5e37-033b-4c21-a520-49b02f7eae93.pdf

Not on our email list? You can join here!: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/OVrQXsz/dartsignup

Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org

Energy drinks have gained popularity over the years, with new brands and seasonal flavors being introduced all the time. Despite their popularity, energy drinks are not recommended as part of a healthy diet.

10/27/2025

186 Safe Medication Disposal Kits distributed just in the month of October!

During this month, staff attended multiple Mental Health and Senior Wellness fairs across Ocean County, handing out our kits to attendees. Our kits provide the know-how and tools to dispose of unused or expired medications (including sharps and needles) either safely at home or at police stations and nearby hospitals. Additionally, we include safe medication storage information and other supplies to help medical professionals in case of emergencies.

We're still not done this month - or this year! - so stay tuned to see what our 2025 totals are in late December!

Interested in more information about our kits? Email dart@rwjbh.org.

10/23/2025

Happy Thursday, DART Coalition - It's still October so that means we're still talking about Substance Use Prevention Month!

Substance use prevention aims to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use of drugs and the development of substance use disorders across the lifespan.

Having conversations about substance use with the people who are important to you allows you to learn more about different types of substances and their impact, talk through potential risks and find ways to minimize harm from substance use. These conversations are also an opportunity to establish attitudes and boundaries regarding substance use.

Whether you want to talk to a friend, a family member, or a child, starting the conversation can stop the risk.

Take a look at our tip sheet for some important pointers when you're ready to have those talks:https://www.rwjbh.org/documents/institute-for-prevention/How-to-Talk-About-Substance-Use.pdf

Join DART in having those important conversations in our community!

Not on our email list? You can join here!: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/OVrQXsz/dartsignup

Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org

10/16/2025

Hey DART Coalition - Let's keep talking - October is Substance Use Prevention Month!

Substance use prevention aims to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use of drugs and the development of substance use disorders across the lifespan.

DART has been a prevention partner in Ocean County for 16 years and our initiatives are everchanging based on the needs of our community.

Some of our initiatives include:
• Ma*****na, va**ng, and medication management trainings
• Young Athletes and Opioids training
• TIPS Trainings (Responsible Beverage Server Trainings)
• Project Sticker Shock
• Safe medication disposal kits
• Prevention toolkits, fact cards, infographics, and awareness campaigns
• Permanent metal signage for young athletes, recovery access, and smoke-free areas
• Youth Prevention Coalitions in county middle schools and high schools
• Assistance in changing local policies, school policies, and ordinances related to substance use
• And so much more!

Take a look at and download our one-pager discussing the importance of prevention, prevention science, and learn more about what DART offers Ocean County:https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/a065d389-9a9b-48be-9565-47443ad858e1.pdf

Join DART in celebrating and promoting Substance Use Prevention Month! Stay tuned for more.

Not on our email list? You can join here!: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/OVrQXsz/dartsignup

Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org

10/09/2025

Hey DART Coalition - October is Substance Use Prevention Month!

Substance use prevention aims to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use of drugs and the development of substance use disorders across the lifespan.

Prevention is crucial in addressing substance misuse as it reduces the likelihood of addiction and its associated negative consequences for individuals and communities. By prioritizing prevention, communities can enhance resilience, reduce risk factors and promote well-being among their populations.

DART has been a prevention partner in Ocean County for 16 years and our initiatives are everchanging based on the needs of our community.

Join DART in celebrating and promoting Substance Use Prevention Month!

Stay tuned for more about Substance Use Prevention Month.

Not on our email list? You can join here!: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/OVrQXsz/dartsignup

Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org

09/29/2025

Hey Coalition Members: Join us tomorrow - virtually!

The last quarterly DART & SOCIAL Lunch & Learn of 2025 is tomorrow (Tuesday) at noon! Join us for a few DART & SOCIAL coalition updates followed by a presentation by Morgan Durant, Prevention Specialist, focusing on Prevention 101 and our youth.

As the new school year begins, it is the perfect time to strengthen our efforts around wellness and prevention. Prevention101 provides an overview of substance use trends, the impact of stigma, and effective strategies to create healthier, more supportive environments for young people. We will offer practical approaches to reduce risk factors, build resilience, and foster positive mental health during the school year.

Register here: https://rwjbh-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/cVE7zZ9PQTKaxvGjI3ZzVg

09/29/2025

Hey DART Coalition - We're still talking about Recovery Month! But for part two, we want to discuss a little bit about harm reduction.

Substance use disorders impact millions of individuals, their families and the communities we live in. However, there is hope. Recovery is possible. Everyone’s path to recovery is unique. For many, that journey may start with or include harm reduction.

Harm reduction focuses on reducing the negative consequences of substance use as opposed to moving directly to a place of abstinence. By doing so, harm reduction opens a window into recovery for individuals. Harm reduction for substance use may take many forms, including carrying naloxone, medications for opioid use or alcohol use disorder, along with other safe use strategies.

We had a special question and answer session with one of our very own Peer Recovery Program Managers, Amanda Kube, to discuss the importance of harm reduction methods on the journey to recovery!

Make sure to check out the Q&A as well as our one-pager discussing harm reduction below.

Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org.

View and Download the One-Pager Here:https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/7240e733-ce20-48a2-8288-92432e41ac58.pdf

Not on our email list? You can join here!: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/OVrQXsz/dartsignup

09/17/2025

Hey DART Coalition - Did you know that September is National Recovery Month?

Recovery is based on respect. For individuals with mental
health and substance use challenges, community acceptance
and appreciation are crucial to achieving recovery.

Join us in celebrating National Recovery Month to support the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, to help promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, and to celebrate the dedicated service providers and communities who make recovery, in all its forms, possible.

Take a look at and download our one-pager discussing recovery here:https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/ebd07ec5-716d-435f-b3c8-37a8936cba4a.pdf

Not on our email list? You can join here!: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/OVrQXsz/dartsignup
Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org

08/21/2025

Today - August 21st - is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

There are two types of fentanyl: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illegally made fentanyl. People who use substances that are not prescribed can be exposed to fentanyl without knowing. It is a major contributing factor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States.

Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage. Two milligrams is the amount that can fit on the point of a pencil — it is an extremely
small amount!

It's important to know about fentanyl and its risks.

Take a look at and download our one-pager discussing fentanyl here:https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/a0535055-accd-49dd-88f4-b2c34785c1b8.pdf

Make sure to also check an email we sent out for additional resources near the bottom: https://conta.cc/4oCMwd5

Not on our email list? You can join here!: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/OVrQXsz/dartsignup

Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org

08/19/2025

Hey DART Coalition - Did you know that August is National Overdose Awareness Month?

An overdose occurs when a person takes more of a substance than their body can safely handle, causing harmful, potentially life-threatening effects.

Most of us are aware that opioids - such as some pain medications, he**in, and fentanyl - can cause overdoses. But did you know that many other substances can cause overdoses too? Such as alcohol, cannabis, over-the-counter medications, and other prescriptions?

It's important to know some basics. Let's talk signs and symptoms of an overdose, how to respond to an overdose, and overdose prevention tips.

Take a look at and download our one-pager discussing overdoses here:https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/692234c1-6571-45ed-92e6-0fa4669eba9a.pdf

Make sure to also check an email we sent out for additional resources near the bottom: https://conta.cc/4oHSjOm

Not on our email list? You can join here!: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/OVrQXsz/dartsignup

Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org

07/28/2025

Hey DART Coalition! As July winds down, let's keep talking cool tips for a hot season!

With all of Ocean County’s beaches, lakes and boating entertainment available, water activities are extremely popular for both residents and tourists. Unfortunately, there are more drownings recorded in July than in any other month. Of these recorded instances, 31% of the individuals involved had been drinking alcohol. It is known that alcohol consumption can result in lower inhibitions, increased risk-taking behaviors and impaired motor skills, which elevates the risk while engaging in activities like swimming or boating. Similarly, there is a higher risk of injury with people who are vacationing in new areas and driving in unfamiliar surroundings; adding alcohol to the mix can be a dangerous combination. Lastly, on those hot summer days, it is important to remember that alcohol can cause dehydration and be a catalyst for heat stroke.

Looking for some fun activities that don't include alcohol or other substances? Our one-pager has a summer fun bucket list to get you started!

Look for our summer safety tips as well as our "Cool Tips for a Hot Season One-Pager" for more tips and summer fun!https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/d373888a-1eb5-43da-9aca-8af2a7d631ef.pdf

Email us with any questions at dart@rwjbh.org

07/22/2025

Howdy from Nashville! IFPR’s Prevention Team is attending CADCA’s Mid-Year Training Institute! 🤠