HAMILTON, NJ - The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) has distributed more than 3,000 bleeding control kits to houses of worship and religious schools across New Jersey, marking a major milestone in the agency’s ongoing effort to expand access to lifesaving resources and training.

Launched in March 2024, NJOHSP’s Bleeding Control Kit Initiative provides bleeding control kits and STOP THE BLEED® training to the interfaith community and religious schools. The program raises awareness about the importance of taking immediate action to control life-threatening bleeding following a traumatic injury. More than 6,000 kits were made available when the initiative launched, and distribution has now reached more than 3,000 kits statewide. NJOHSP expanded the program to include religious schools in January 2026.

“Getting these lifesaving resources into communities across New Jersey is an important step in ensuring people are prepared to act in the critical moments before first responder teams arrive,” said NJOHSP Director Thomas Hauck. “This milestone reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to keeping New Jersey communities safe and resilient.”

New Jersey is home to more than 6,000 houses of worship, providing a significant opportunity to expand access to STOP THE BLEED® resources. NJOHSP has partnered with county prosecutors, law enforcement, the interfaith community, and other organizations to distribute kits to houses of worship and religious schools statewide. NJOHSP has also collaborated with the New Jersey Trauma Injury Prevention Council and county emergency management offices to promote STOP THE BLEED® training and outreach. More than 60 STOP THE BLEED® training courses have been conducted across New Jersey to date.

“Providing the kits is only part of the effort,” said NJOHSP Preparedness Division Director Charlie Ambio. “Houses of worship and religious schools receiving these kits should ensure their staff is properly trained in its usage so they have the practical skills needed to respond to a bleeding emergency which can happen without warning. The actions taken in those first few minutes can be critical. Knowing how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and take immediate action can make a critical difference in the moments before emergency medical services arrive.”

The initiative combines equipment distribution with hands-on training, helping participants recognize life-threatening bleeding and take immediate action while awaiting emergency medical services.

Religious communities interested in receiving bleeding control kits or training can register through the Houses of Worship and Religious Schools Distribution Survey. For more information, visit the Houses of Worship Bleeding Control Kits web page or contact bleedkits@njohsp.gov.