Congressman Secured Funding for HERO Campaign

Federal dollars will help expand the use of drunk driving awareness branding on 125 police vehicles nationwide.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Isometric editorial illustration of a generic law enforcement vehicle, symbolizing federal investment in road safety and drunk driving prevention initiatives. — Congressman Jeff Van Drew secured $500,000 in federal funding to expand the HERO Campaign, a drunk driving prevention initiative using police vehicle branding. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Congressman Jeff Van Drew has secured $500,000 in federal funding to expand the HERO Campaign, a drunk driving prevention initiative. This investment will support the application of the organization's branding to 125 law enforcement vehicles across the country.

Why it matters

The HERO Campaign uses police vehicles as visual reminders to promote designated driving and prevent drunk driving incidents. This federal support aims to increase the reach of these awareness efforts by partnering with law enforcement agencies.

The federal allocation of $500,000 provides for the application of HERO Campaign branding to 125 active law enforcement vehicles. The total impact of this expansion on nationwide drunk driving rates is still being determined.

The players

Jeff Van Drew

A U.S. Congressman who secured the federal funding for the drunk driving prevention initiative.

HERO Campaign

An organization that promotes the use of designated drivers through partnerships with law enforcement and community agencies.

The details

The HERO Campaign collaborates with various institutions including schools, businesses, and highway safety agencies to advocate for the use of designated drivers. By applying logos to active police cars, the campaign maintains a consistent presence on the road that serves as a persistent visual deterrent against drunk driving. This initiative honors the legacy of John Elliot, an Egg Harbor Township resident who died in 2000 after being struck by a drunk driver.

John Elliot lost his life to a drunk driver in 2000.
The federal funding was announced on October 6, 2026.

Health Landscape

This effort builds upon the established model of utilizing law enforcement visibility to reinforce highway safety messages. It represents an ongoing public health strategy to deter impaired driving by embedding prevention branding into the daily operations of local police departments.

Seeing these marked vehicles on the road serves as a community-level reminder to always designate a sober driver before attending events where alcohol is served. Discussing safe transportation plans with family and friends before departing remains a vital habit for ensuring personal safety.

The takeaway

The HERO Campaign highlights the ongoing need for public awareness to prevent drunk driving tragedies. Always prioritize safety by identifying a designated driver, a simple step that significantly reduces the risk of alcohol-related road accidents.