The Arc of New Jersey Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities
Ann M. Wilson, DSW, Director
Peter Leibert Community Prevention Action Award Winner
 New Jersey is considered a leader in the field of prevention in
part because of the efforts of the New Jersey Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities. Created in 1985, the goals of the Coalition are to mobilize individuals, agencies,
government, communities and families in a strong statewide effort for prevention; to foster cooperation among health/mental health, education and human services systems in
prevention education and advocacy; to identify needs and develop resources; and, to advocate and educate for programs, services, and legislation.
Hundreds of people representing organizations and agencies throughout New Jersey have joined together as members of the Coalition to address such concerns as Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorders (FASD), low birth weight, pre- and post-natal care, immunization, child abuse and neglect, childhood injuries, smoking by minors, homelessness,
environmental contaminants, seat belt use, lead poisoning, women's health, and bike and in-line skating helmets.
The Coalition received the prestigious Peter Leibert Community Prevention Action Award from The Arc
of the United States in 1999. The Coalition is a special project of The Arc of New Jersey, and is funded by the Office for Prevention of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Benefits of
membership in the Coalition include:
- prevention activities on the local level - such as 'Pregnant Pause,' which celebrates alcohol-free options to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD);
- a Resource Center of circulating materials: more than 600 videos, articles, journals, newsletters and
books; materials for educating and training schoolteachers, school nurses, social workers and staff about disability prevention in grades K-12; technical assistance and consultation about prevention
issues, grant opportunities and coalition-building and a quarterly newsletter, PREVENTION Counts;
- statewide meetings, workshops, educational seminars, and conferences; and the opportunity to be part of the statewide prevention movement, with representation on numerous Task Forces and Councils.
The New Jersey Coalition for Prevention Works to Keep Kids Safe!
On August 26, 2005, Governor Codey signed into law a bill which would require teens up to 17 years of
age to wear a helmet while biking, rollerblading or skateboarding. The New Jersey Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities was instrumental in getting this bill passed and has conducting a
series of public education activities around the new law. Patti Lucarelli, Chair of the Prevention Committee of The Arc of New Jersey had a letter to the editor printed in newspapers across the State.
The Coalition had posters printed in English, Spanish and Creole to be posted in bike and skate shops. To see the posters and the accompanying fact sheets, click below.
Think Prevention FIRST
Consumer Product Safety Commission: for product recalls
www.recalls.gov
Bike Helmet Safety: Bike Helmet Safety Institute
www.bhsi.org
Lead Poisoning Prevention: with links to other lead sites, including the National Lead Information Center
www.epa.gov/lead
Click here to read PREVENTION Counts newsletter
Click here for information about statewide Pregnant Pause
activities, organizing tips and alcohol-free recipes
Click here for more information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
If you would like to join the New Jersey Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities, please click here
The Arc of New Jersey Prevention Committee
Patti Lucarelli, Chair
Ana Rivera
Vivian Bartkus
Deborah Cohen
Deborah Davies
Carol Ann Giardelli
Glenna Gundell
Robert Pruznick
Lorraine Travaglione
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