Ocean County (CAT) Community Partnership for a Tobacco-Free New Jersey

The Ocean County (CAT) Community Partnership for a Tobacco-Free New Jersey is a collaborative of community-based organizations, schools, municipal agencies, and concerned citizens joined together with a common mission to effect behavioral, social and environmental change regarding tobacco issues within our communities.

The Ocean County (CAT) Community Partnership for a Tobacco-Free New Jersey is part of the New Jersey Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program (CTCP) network. This network is comprised of 21 community partnerships that provide a stable infrastructure with a common mission to change or establish community norms, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding tobacco use.

Community Partnerships formerly known as Communities Against Tobacco (CAT) Coalitions were formed as part of the Master Settlement Agreement between the state attorney generals and the tobacco industry. The "Community Partnership" program is supported by funds provided by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program (CTCP).

The goals and objectives of the Ocean County (CAT) Community Partnership is to: (1). Increase tobacco cessation among adults living in Ocean County; (2). Eliminate involuntary exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in outdoor venues, multi-housing dwellings, and other sites not included in the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act (NJSFAA); (3). Reduce the acceptability of tobacco use among Ocean County residents; and (4). Educate communities about the NJSFAA and, state and federal laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors.

Membership as a Community Partner is voluntary. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) may be completed by any community member, business, school, or organization who share our vision for a healthier, smoke-free environment. For more MOU info or to complete a form visit the "What's New" section of the website. Collectively, Community Partners offer a wide range of tobacco prevention, intervention, and treatment programs as well as many resources. Funding and training activities are provided to support and develop coalition projects, events, and activities. For more information, or to become involved in the Community Partnership, contact a member agency in your area.

Any organization or individual looking for more information or interested in becoming a community partner may call Albert Petroni, Community Organizer, Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Ocean, Inc. (ADACO) at 732-367-5515 or by completing the site contact form.