[Adopted 2-1-2022 by Ord. No. 1678-22]
The Hazlet Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Awareness (the "Alliance") is hereby established as a municipal committee in the Township of Hazlet.
The purposes of the Alliance are as follows:
A. 
Organize and coordinate efforts for the prevention of substance use disorders and mental health awareness collaboration with community leaders, school staff, law enforcement, business groups, community members, behavioral health agencies, health care professionals, public and private prevention of substance use disorders and treatment organizations, and civic and other volunteer organizations for the purpose of reducing substance use disorders (including but not limited to illicit drug use, prescription drug misuse, underage drinking, alcohol use disorder, marijuana use disorder, tobacco use disorder, vaping, and other at-risk behaviors) and promoting mental well-being through awareness, education, programming and resource-sharing; and
B. 
In cooperation with local school districts, develop comprehensive and effective programs for the prevention of substance use disorders, mental health awareness education programs, and social and emotional learning programs/curriculum in grades kindergarten through 12; and
C. 
Develop comprehensive education, support, and outreach efforts for parents and youth caregivers in the community to assist in the prevention of substance use disorders and promotion mental health and wellbeing; and
D. 
Develop comprehensive education, support and outreach efforts for community members to assist in the prevention of substance use disorders and promotion mental health and wellbeing; and
E. 
In alignment with local, county, state, and national needs assessments, data, statistics and trends, identify appropriate programs for prevention of substance use disorders, mental health awareness and mental well-being programs; and
F. 
Reduce the stigmas surrounding substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders to encourage those affected to seek support resources and treatment and support the families of those living with substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders; and
G. 
Such other purposes as may be set forth at N.J.A.C. 17:40-2.5.
A. 
The Alliance, may include, but is not limited to, the following members, all of whom shall serve for a one-year term commencing on January 1 of each year, or by rolling application throughout the year, as appointed by the Township Committee:
(1) 
Mayor and/or governing body members (or designees).
(2) 
Police officers and/or employees of the Police Department.
(3) 
School district superintendent, administrative staff, and/or school board members.
(4) 
School district guidance counselors, student assistance counselors, teachers, and/or other student support services staff.
(5) 
Parent teacher association representatives; athletic club representatives; and home-school association members.
(6) 
Parents, youth caregivers, and/or guardians.
(7) 
Youth-serving organization representatives.
(8) 
Chamber of commerce and/or local business representatives.
(9) 
Local civic or volunteer representatives.
(10) 
Faith-based organization representatives.
(11) 
Private citizens.
(12) 
Individual youth and adolescents and/or representatives of youth organizations.
(13) 
Representatives of senior citizens organizations and community.
(14) 
Individuals and/or family members who have been impacted by substance use disorders and mental health disorders.
(15) 
Behavioral health agency representatives and health care professionals.
(16) 
All other persons and/or entities with an interest or experience in the prevention of and/or treatment of substance use disorders and mental health disorders and/or education and promotion of mental health and wellbeing.
(17) 
Such other persons as may be appointed by the Township Committee.
B. 
Residency requirement. To the extent possible, members should be residents or employees of the Township of Hazlet, represent business or organizations located in Hazlet Township, or be stakeholders in the Township of Hazlet. At least 50% of the members must reside in the Township of Hazlet.
C. 
By-Laws. The Alliance membership shall be responsible for creating by-laws for the conduct of its operations, which may be amended from time to time.
D. 
Chair. The Alliance shall annually elect a Chair amongst its members.
E. 
Quorum. A quorum of the full membership is required to conduct a meeting.
There is hereby created the position of Municipal Alliance Coordinator for the Alliance. The Municipal Alliance Coordinator shall be responsible for coordinating all Alliance activities, maintain status of finances, correspondence, updating needs assessment and renewal applications, grant writing and reporting, fundraising, maintain resource library, maintain and promote community relations, develop calendar of events, conduct community surveys, facilitate the use of grant funded programs within the community and other related duties as required.
The Alliance shall hold a minimum of four meetings a year. Special meetings may be scheduled by the Coordinator at his/her discretion. The meetings shall be noticed and conducted in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Attendance at a meeting is required in order to be eligible to vote on any matter then before the Alliance.