FDU Proud to Partner in Bergen County Higher Education Addiction Prevention Consortium

October 9, 2024 – Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is proud to announce its participation in the Bergen County Higher Education Addiction Prevention Consortium (BC HEAP Consortium), made possible by a five-year grant awarded to Children’s Aid and Family Services. The grant, totaling $375,000 annually from the Substance Abuse Addiction Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will fund the Consortium’s initiatives to develop and implement comprehensive strategies aimed at substance misuse prevention and mental health wellness among college students aged 17-25.

As one of five higher education institutions in Bergen County—including Bergen Community College, Eastwick College, Felician University and Ramapo College — FDU is committed to addressing the growing challenges of substance use and misuse among its student population. The BC HEAP Consortium seeks to foster collaboration between these institutions, reduce drug misuse, and connect students to critical mental health resources within the community.

“We are excited to be part of this collaborative effort to strengthen the mental wellness and safety of our students,” said Ben Freer, Director, School of Psychology and Counseling at FDU. “The grant provides us with the opportunity to actively engage our student body in prevention efforts while promoting a healthier, safer campus environment.”

The national statistics underscore the importance of these efforts. According to the 2022 “National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health,” the highest prevalence of substance use disorders occurs among individuals aged 18-25. This demographic is also at heightened risk for binge drinking, illicit drug use, and opioid misuse, which can result in academic struggles, health issues, overdoses, and even fatalities.

Through the BC HEAP Consortium, FDU and its partner institutions will work to curb these troubling trends and provide students with the support and resources they need to succeed academically and personally.