Community Coalitions

Our community coalitions work with key stakeholders across the twelve sectors of the community to create a comprehensive approach to reducing substance-related challenges. Through this collaborative approach, we are able to address these challenges from multiple angles and create lasting change in our community.

Prevention Coalition of Mercer County

The Prevention Coalition of Mercer County is a vibrant community that promotes and provides choices that support healthy lifestyles.

The Prevention Coalition’s mission is to reduce substance abuse in youth and across the lifespan by collaborating resources and coordinating planning, in order to offer opportunities for building a healthy mind, body, and spirit for all residents of Mercer County.

Who We Are

The PCMC is an established substance abuse prevention coalition serving the 12 municipalities of Mercer County. We are made up of county leadership, law enforcement, educators, parents, youth, healthcare professionals, faith communities, municipal alliances, business professionals, civic and volunteer community organizations and individual members of the community.

It is vital to the health of our community that effective, coordinated prevention and treatment services be available. Alcohol, tobacco and other drug use problems directly and indirectly affect thousands of residents in Mercer County.

In the Community

The Prevention Coalition strives to be deeply connected throughout our local community, and we are so thankful to partner with a number of community-based organizations, local school districts, law enforcement offices, and more in order to bring awareness to current and ongoing trends of substance use and misuse.

We are proud to partner with numerous local businesses and community-based organizations, and are honored to have a voice on a number of Boards and Committees.

Our diverse membership includes individuals from across the various sectors of the community:

  • Lawrence Township School District
  • Oaks Integrated Care
  • New Jersey Prevention Network
  • Local Police Departments
  • New Jersey Department of Health
  • Princeton House Behavioral Health

…and more! Please consider joining us for our next Prevention Coalition Monthly Meeting. For meeting information, see our Upcoming Events.

In addition to the organizations that are represented among our membership, the PCMC proudly collaborates with a number of local businesses across Mercer County.

If you are interested in supporting us or becoming a partner, please reach out to pcmc@mercercouncil.org!

The Prevention Coalition of Mercer County is proud to be represented on several local Boards and Committees. This involvement provides us with access to, and influence throughout, the Mercer County community.

Events and Resources

Aside from our Monthly Meetings, the PCMC hosts a number of events and offers various resources throughout the year. For more prevention resources, please visit our Prevention Hub.

The Prevention Coalition of Mercer County meets monthly on the second Wednesday, from 9-11am at the Mercer Council Office.

Each month, community members and leaders, parents, business owners, and partners come together to discuss the latest in local and national substance use trends and legislative changes that impact our community. It is our hope that our community will band together to encourage a healthier, safer and more responsible Mercer County!

For updates on our next Coalition Meeting, please visit our Upcoming Events page. Email marnold@mercercouncil.org for more information.

The PCMC is proud to offer free Naloxone (Narcan) trainings to the community! Co-sponsored by Mercer Council, these trainings are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond in the event of an opioid overdose.

Narcan Trainings are available to anyone 15 years or older. Each person who attends the training will receive a Narcan kit with two 4 milligram doses of Narcan. Please note that space is limited to the first 30 participants on a “first come, first served” basis.

All trainings will take place at the Mercer Council office: 1931 Brunswick Ave, Lawrence Twp NJ 08648. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in your community!

Upcoming Trainings

  • October 23, 2023 | 6pm
  • December 28, 2023 | 11am

Please contact Malissa Arnold at pcmc@mercercouncil.org for more information.

Join us for National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. The Mercer Council staff has participated in National Night Out events all across Mercer County.

This event happens annually on the first Tuesday in August. For more information, please contact Caitlin Allen at callen@mercercouncil.org.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held annually on August 31st to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. The day is also a time to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.

In past years, Mercer Council and the PCMC have hosted events to commemorate IOAD. These events have included candlelight vigils, informational sessions, and community outreach efforts.

  • Our event in 2019 featured a panel discussion with local experts on addiction and overdose prevention.
  • Our event in 2018 included a memorial wall where attendees could write messages in memory of loved ones lost to overdose.

We are always looking for ways to partner with individuals, groups, families, and local businesses/organizations as we plan for International Overdose Awareness Day! Please reach out to Malissa Arnold at marnold@mercercouncil.org for more information on how to collaborate.

The Prevention Awards Breakfast is an annual event held every second Wednesday in June. This event honors individuals, agencies, associations, and businesses from around the county who have made significant contributions to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of various communities in Mercer County through their prevention efforts.

Join us as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who have made a difference in our communities!

Youth Coalition of Mercer County

The Youth Coalition of Mercer County mission is to provide youth with the tools to be their authentic selves.

The YCMC is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth in Mercer County. Our evidence-informed programming and community partnerships provide local youth with space, resources, and accommodations to thrive. We strive to engage influential citizens of the community to drive our mission forward.

Our Goals

The goals of the YCMC are to:

Facilitate evidence-informed programming for local youth

Establish relationships with community partners

Engage in activity-based learning

Build partnerships with local school districts and youth-serving organizations

Provide space, resources, and accommodations for local youth

Join Us

Middle school, high school, and university freshman and sophomores are invited to inquire about membership, involvement, and volunteer opportunities.

Explore the YCMC program outline for details and contact Ruth DelPino at rdelpino@mercercouncil.org for more information.