Alliance For Substance Abuse Prevention


Mission Statement For FLASAP & Stigma-Free Committee: 

The Fair Lawn Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, FLASAP, focuses its efforts on creating awareness towards the prevention of Alcoholism and Substance Misuse by identifying and preventing stigma and fostering inclusion of all community members. The purpose of FLASAP is to develop and support prevention programs for outreach and community support and to educate the community regarding substance misuse issues.

Who We Are:

FLASAP & The Stigma-Free Committee is a coalition of health and mental health professionals, parents, educators, elected officials, merchants, police, clergy, administrators, and students who are concerned about alcohol, tobacco, and drug use in our community.

What We Do:

In order to make prevention goals realistic and manageable, specific needs are identified and objectives are developed by the Alliance, in conjunction with the Bergen County Office on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. This Needs Assessment is evaluated every (3) years in addition to creating new prevention programs based on the needs of our community.


(Deputy Mayor of Community Affairs Josh Reinitz, Council Member Kris Krause, Pam Coles (FLASAP), Carol Wagner (FLASAP), Mayor Gail Rottenstrich, Council Member Natalie Salina)

On August 31st, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, we displayed purple flags to honor the lives lost to opioid overdose and raise awareness about the ongoing opioid crisis. Each flag represents a life tragically cut short, serving as a reminder that every overdose is preventable. Our display aimed to spark conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage our community to come together to support prevention efforts and those affected by substance use.





Members:

Josh Reinitz, Council Liaison 

Carol Wagner, Director of Health & Human Services, FLASAP Chairperson 

Stephanie Drag, Director of School and Family Services at the Center for Alcohol & Drug Resources

Arti Shah, Health Educator/Local Health Outreach Coordinator 

Mark Spindel, Board of Education Liaison 

Brenda Gupta, Supervisor of School Counseling & Student Wellness

PO Gerard Graziano, FLPD & Coordinator of L.E.A.D Program

Cindy Martinez, FLASAP Treasurer 

Jeff Mazzola, Stigma-Free Committee, All Sports Coach

Tammy Smith, Stigma-Free Committee Chairperson 

Sergeant Eric Eleschwich, FLPD Public Information Officer

Dr. Rui Dionisio, FL School Superintendent 

Matt Markman, FLHS Student Assistance Counselor   

Claude Bienstock, Member of the Public


How to Join: 

If you are interested in attending a meeting or joining FLASAP & The Stigma-Free Committee, please contact Carol Wagner at health@fairlawn.org or call 201-794-5327. Meetings are on Zoom on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. Meeting dates and zoom information is below. 


2024 Meeting Dates:

February 21, 2024 

March 20, 2024                                                                                            

April 17, 2024                                                     

May 15, 2024                                                    

June 19, 2024  

July 17, 2024     

August 21, 2024   

September 18, 2024    

October 16, 2024

November 13, 2024                             

December 18, 2024


Zoom Link: 
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611193020?pwd=bkpVYlhBU0h0OHdMTmdZRUxqZTdBZz09

Meeting ID: 161 119 3020
Passcode: 939116
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Funding:

Funding for the Municipal Alliance is made possible through a grant from the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. The grant, which is managed through the Bergen County Department of Health Services (Bergen County Alliance) awarded the Borough $5,754 in July 2023 - June 2024. The Alliance matches the grant through member in-kind services.


Past And Present Community Programs In Collaboration With FLPD & TCADR (The Center For Drug & Alcohol Resources)     

Community Events: Street Fairs, National Night Out, Fireworks, Camp Out
Stigma-Free Activities: NAMI Presentations
TCDAR Programs: Too Smart Too Start (5th grade), Forest Friends (Pre-K to 2nd grade), Parents Who Host, Lose the Most Activities
FLPD Programs: Explorers, L.E.A.D (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program, Junior Police Academy (9-12 yr olds)
Take Back Prescription Meds
Project Graduation
Tobacco Age of Sale Enforcement
Community Awareness Infomercials on the Minibus and FLTV
Take Back Prescription Meds
Medication Drop Box at Fair Lawn Police Dept.