DART Prevention Coalition

10/15/2026

It's still October so 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 celebrating and promoting Substance Use Prevention Month (in October) this year! (As a reminder: SAMHSA has shifted the national observance from October to August, but we're staying the course for this year and will make the switch and join them next year.)

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

Email us with any questions at [email protected]

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

Substance Use Prevention Month has... moved?!

Well, it appears Substance Use Prevention Month has undergone a bit of a calendar change! SAMHSA has shifted the national observance from October to August - a change that seems to have flown under the radar for many of us in prevention field until August was nearly in the rearview mirror.

So, while we appreciate the updated schedule and logic behind the move, we're sticking with our original plans. After all, prevention is important year-round and we've already marked our calendars! We'll be celebrating Substance Use Prevention Month in October as planned - proving that sometimes the best prevention strategy is to stay the course! (But we'll join everyone in August next year for sure.)

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 17 years and our initiatives are everchanging based on the needs of our community.

Join DART in celebrating and promoting Substance Use Prevention Month (in October) this year!

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

Email us with any questions at [email protected]

10/06/2026

Hey DART Coalition! The fall is a time of change - but it's also a time of returning back to a routine that may have also gone on vacation during the summer months.

Healthy routines can support physical, emotional and mental well-being as well as minimize illness, stress, absenteeism and
burnout. This fall, we are sharing some tips, tools and insights into creating routines that help you to feel your best, stay on
track and promote long-term health goals.

And as an added bonus - we're including some tasty and easy recipes that we know you'll love! (Provided by our friends at the LiveWell Center at the Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center.)

Take a look at and download our multi-pager for tips on setting healthy routines (as well as those delicious recipes!):https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/fb6fcb54-95e1-493d-b3cb-b38c86d679bc.pdf

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

09/03/2026

Our next DART General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22nd! Join us for some coalition updates and a special presentation - "Changing the Script: Sports Injuries and Exposure to Opiates Among Young Athletes"

Click here for more information and to register: https://conta.cc/4gOj68C

08/26/2026

Our staff have been super busy the last few weeks attending and tabling at different community events throughout the county!

From our annual Paws & Unwind event at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge at the end of July, to National Night Out in Brick, Point Pleasant, and Little Egg Harbor, to Senior Appreciation Day in Toms River - we had a lot of fun meeting you all and getting our resources out in the county!

See you all in September 😎

08/21/2026

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

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

Email us with any questions at [email protected]

08/17/2026

Do you bartend or serve alcohol in Ocean County? Do you need to be TIPS® certified?

DART is offering a *FREE* upcoming training on September 1st! Click here to learn more and to register to attend: https://conta.cc/4xzf0YH

Does your bar, restaurant, or club have a minimum of 10 staff needing this training? Email [email protected] for more information about on-site/private trainings.

Please reach out with any questions! See you on the 1st!

08/17/2026

Hey DART Coalition - Let's talk more about 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.

Overdoses can happen with both illegal AND legal substances, like your medications - both prescription and over-the-counter.

Do you know the common signs of an overdose? Or how to help someone who might be experiencing one? Maybe the different ways to prevent one from even happening?

Take a look at and download our one-pager for the signs and symptoms and how to help:https://files.constantcontact.com/deaa5a91901/692234c1-6571-45ed-92e6-0fa4669eba9a.pdf

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

08/12/2026

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

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