Why it matters: The state of New Jersey has allocated $5.5 million from its Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund to the New Jersey Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (NJHVIP). This funding will support programs that provide services to victims of violence and help break patterns of violence in communities.
What they are saying: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin both emphasized the importance of the NJHVIP and the impact it has on creating safer communities. They expressed their commitment to combatting gun violence and violent crime in the state.
The big picture: The NJHVIP is a hospital-based violence intervention program that brings together medical professionals, social workers, and other support staff to provide comprehensive services to victims of crime. The program aims to interrupt cycles of violence and help victims on their path to recovery and safety.
What to watch: Organizations can apply for NJHVIP grants by October 18, 2023, with a maximum grant amount of $995,000 per project. It will be important to monitor how these funds are distributed and used to support violence prevention services in New Jersey.
My take: Allocating funds from cannabis tax revenue to support violence intervention programs is a positive step towards addressing community safety and supporting victims of violence. Programs like NJHVIP play a crucial role in providing holistic services to those in need and helping break cycles of violence. It is encouraging to see the state of New Jersey prioritize these initiatives and invest in creating safer communities.
