Our Mission
Who We Are
Long Branch H.E.A.R.S. is a group of concerned citizens initiated and supported by the Long Branch administration, who have joined forces to address addiction in our city.
A Short Story
It was 2018. In New Jersey, local citizens were campaigning across the state to fill positions within their townships and cities in the upcoming election. The City of Long Branch was no different. John Pallone and Anita Voogt were door-knocking when they met a local homeowner Patricia Tucker who was adamant that they address the increasing number of individuals and families dealing with substance use who felt they had nowhere to turn. Both candidates listened carefully to her concerns and as they walked away realized the great need to tackle this topic within the first 100 days of the new administration should they be elected.
At their first opportunity, Mayor Pallone and Councilwoman Voogt invited a few local individuals to an "interest meeting". These individuals were already providing support in the way of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. A committee was formed as the Mayor’s Task Force on Substance Use and a larger group of volunteers joined in as they were anxious to collaborate. The group later became known as Long Branch H.E.A.R.S (Health Education Addiction & Recovery Support). In the spring of 2019 the group launched and today we continue to evolve in many ways to fulfill the commitment made to the citizens of Long Branch.
What We Do
We provide resources within our focus areas of Health, Education, Addiction & Recovery Support, for those struggling with addiction and their family members. We work to build bridges between organizations that provide services for people either in active addiction or in recovery from substance use. By creating community forums and events, we foster connections and reduce stigma by educating the public about Substance Use Disorder.
Because people are worth saving…
- Treat addiction as the DISEASE it is. No matter if a person is addicted to alcohol, crack, heroin or pills - realize that people need comprehensive MEDICAL help to treat their addiction.
- Advocate for legislation making sure everyone has adequate access to healthcare, funding for mental health and addiction services.
- Support harm reduction measures even if you don't agree with them. Carry Narcan to save someone's life. See our education tab in the resource directory for trainings.
- Accept that there are so many different pathways to get well. Accept that there are many pathways to recovery.
- Treat EVERY person as worthy and valuable - no matter what is going on in their lives.
- Recognize how trauma (all types of trauma) so often results in addiction.
SUSPECTED DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS
2020
United States -
New Jersey - 1595
Monmouth County - 99(Jan-June 2020)
2019
United States - 71,999
New Jersey - 3021
Monmouth County - 187
2018
United States - 68,557
New Jersey - 3006
Monmouth County - 221
2017
United States - 72,000
New Jersey - 2737
Monmouth County - 172
Long Branch H.E.A.R.S. Founding Members
Top Row: Mayor John Pallone, Councilwoman Dr. Anita Voogt, Patricia Tucker, Rick Garlipp
Second Row: Kathleen Loures, Larry Mihlon, Susan Marco