Woodbury, New Jersey- THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY CHIEFS ASSOCIATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY EMERGENCY RESPONSE DEPARTMENT are launching the first Gloucester County Special Needs Registry and Blue Envelope Program in Gloucester County. The Special Needs Registry will provide the residents of Gloucester County the ability to register family members with special needs both adults and children. Enrollment is voluntary and done by the family members. The information will be accessible to first responders only and will provide them with information that can assist in developing and improving their response to individuals with special needs. The information will only be used for this important purpose. The Gloucester County Special Needs Registry will also serve as a valuable tool for resource allocation, community engagement and will foster a more accessible environment for all communities. 

The Blue Envelope program will assist special needs drivers, and police officers during interactions. This program allows individuals to pick up a Blue Envelope from their local police department. The envelope is to be kept in the vehicle, and if there is an interaction with police, the individual can just hand it over. The Blue Envelope will alert the officer that the driver or the occupant has special needs. The envelope will contain important papers to include driver's license, vehicle registration, current insurance card, and emergency contact information. This information can assist the officer if the individual is unable to communicate. The front of the envelope contains information on what to expect during a motor vehicle stop, and the back of the envelope contains a special needs awareness guide for police officers. 

Harrison Township Police Chief Ron Cundey of the Gloucester County Chiefs Association stated, "The Gloucester County Police Chiefs Association is proud to collaborate with the Prosecutor's 

The County of Gloucester complies with all state and federal rules and regulations against discrimination in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, and activities. In addition, County encourages participation of people with disabilities in its programs and activities and offers special services to all residents 60 years of age and older. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the County's ADA Coordinator at (856) 384-6842/ New Jersey Relay Service 711. 

Office to provide this valuable tool to the citizens we serve. The Special Needs Registry and Blue Envelope Program will allow our officers, along with other emergency response personnel, to provide enhanced assistance to those folks who have mental or physical impairments that may cause difficulty in communicating during emergencies and other interactions with first responders." 

The launch of the Special Needs Registry and Blue Envelope Program with a Resource Fair is being held on Saturday, April 27th at Riverwinds Community Center from 11 am to 1 pm. Community members who would like to register will be provided forms and blue envelopes for registration. The following resources will be present: 

Inspira 

Fifty Shades of Purple Against Bullying Gloucester County Board of Elections Project Alert 

Riverwinds/YMCA swim lessons 

Friends of the CACGC 

Gloucester County Chiefs Association 

2nd Chance Boutique 

Advanced Abilities 

Regional Integrated Special Needs Center 

OCD Support Group 

Heart to Heart Homecare 

Pro Phoenix 

Gloucester County is looking forward to assisting those in our community with special needs and improving their interaction with law enforcement. If you are a resident of Gloucester County and need further information regarding the Special Needs Registry or the Blue Envelope Program, please contact your local municipality.