Pub. 16 2017-2018 Issue 4

N E W J E R S E Y C O A L I T I O N O F A U T O M O T I V E R E T A I L E R S 13 new jersey auto retailer W W W . N J C A R . O R G P.I.C.K. Awareness believes that ‘Support Recovery’ license plates will bring a sorely needed sustainable funding model. The intent of this measure is to reduce home- lessness as a barrier to recovery and provide a sustainable funding source for indigent individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addictions who need housing in a sober living environment. Further, access to a sober living environment will help to reduce relapse and break the cycle of addiction. The license plate will consist of an image of a compass rose with cardinal direction indicators enclosed in a circle, and the words “SUPPORT RECOVERY” beneath the image. This license plate will provide funding for recovery, but it will also serve as a visible sign of support to those impacted by the opioid epidemic and drug and alco- hol addiction. How can New Jersey’s auto retailers support the “Support Recovery” license plate campaign? I have met the Motor Vehicle Commis- sion’s criteria for launching the “Sup- port Recovery” license plate. I gathered more than 750 signatures, and thanks to Thomas DeFelice, III, of Circle BMW, the NJ CAR NextGen Committee and the rest of the Coalition’s membership, New Jersey dealers have committed to raising the $50,000 needed to cover the initial investment, production of the plates and application fees. Dealers are very often the “go to” business- es because of their strong commitment to hundreds of causes. Their compassion for helping people achieve their goals and their efforts in giving back to various interests in the community make them leaders for positive change. There are over 500,000+ new vehicles sold yearly and they ALL need license plates. The more plates that are sold, the more re- sources and services “The Pick Awareness Act” can provide. In addition to your initial support, I’m also asking dealerships to promote the sale of these plates once they are available. It is a great way to show your customers that you are helping to save lives during this public health emergency. We will help with the campaign efforts by doing press releases and conferences, quarterly incentives and awards to the dealerships with the most Support Recov- ery License Plate sales. We are working on several ideas to support you as well. [NOTE: NJ CAR asks every dealership in New Jersey to get behind this effort and send a check for $500 (payable to NJ CAR/ “Charles E. Walton Charitable Foundation”), earmarked for the “P.I.C.K. Awareness License Plate Campaign.” Checks should be sent to NJ CAR (P.O. Box 7510, 856 River Road, Trenton, NJ 08628)] What drives you to provide these resources? Bringing updated, continuous resources on multiple subjects to these families is rewarding in itself because we save lives. We help families with issues like codepen- dency, enabling, self-care, nutrition, drug court, housing and many other categories. Having a one-stop shop makes it easier to navigate. What are some of the statistics re- lated to drug and alcohol addiction and recovery? According to former Governor Chris Chris- tie’s Executive order #219 and the 2017 State of the State Address: • There are roughly 128,000 heroin users in New Jersey. • Approximately 85 percent of people in jail are there because of a substance use disorder. • Heroin claimed 918 lives in 2015, the highest annual death toll from the drug ever seen in New Jersey. • Drug overdoses jumped by 21 percent between 2014 & 2015. • Nearly 1600 people died of “combined” drug overdoses in 2015. • Nationally, it’s estimated that every 19 minutes an individual dies of an overdose from heroin or prescription opiates. • 4 out of 5 users began with prescription drugs. • 4 times the number of people died of drug overdoses than were murdered last year. • 43 percent of fatally injured drivers tested positive or showed signs of recent drug use. • Over 6,000 deaths can be attributed to heroin or prescription opioid-related overdoses since 2004. Tell us about the “Support Recovery” license plate initiative. Special license plates have become a way to champion a cause and generate much need- ed revenue. Drug addiction is an epidemic right now and a ‘Support Recovery’ license plate will demonstrate support for anyone touched by drug addiction and help to fund sober housing.