Pike Health Fund tackles teen substance abuse - Heroin trafficking has become a concern for Pike

MILFORD - The Pike County Health Fund is responding to a serious and urgent need within our community. This past summer our county was made aware of the gravity of an ongoing problem — that of substance abuse, specifically heroin, among our youth. Established in 2003, the Pike County Health Fund originally was created to offer Healthcare screenings and tests at the Milford Health and Wellness Center to Pike County residents who are under-insured or uninsured. For the past year various screenings have been offered and over 200 residents have benefited. While this program continues, it is the intent of the Fund to establish a phase one adolescent substance abuse program for ages 13 to 17. The goal of the program is to provide services to adolescents and their families who are trying to cope with the substance abusing behaviors of the adolescent. The four principal components of the Program are, outreach, education and consultation; family support and treatment; evaluations of the adolescent; and referral for follow up services. Towards this end, all proceeds from the popular Gowns and Downs fundraising weekend in 2006 will benefit the new Adolescent Substance Abuse Program. “There is no doubt about the need for this program or the seriousness of the problem”, said Joan Waldman, fundraising co-chair. “Make no mistake, where drugs exist so does crime and violence. They go hand in hand.” Gowns and Downs fundraising co-chairs Ronnie Biondo and Joan Waldman and the 2006 weekend event co-chairs, Ed Roarup and Scott Eck, are seeking the support of community businesses and individuals through various levels of sponsorship ranging from $7500 for Presenting Sponsors to $250 for Friends of the Program. The Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation which administers the Pike County Health Fund has arranged for the Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Newton Memorial Hospital to supervise and provide consultation to the Pike County Substance Abuse Program Team. To become a Sponsor or Friend please call Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation at 973- 579-8309 or mail your check payable to NMHFoundation/PC Health Fund to: Pike County Health Fund c/o Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation 175 High St, Newton, NJ 07860. To enjoy a memorable event and participate in a meaningful community program, save the dates of May 5 and 6 for the third annual Gowns and Downs weekend.