NJ Human Services Announces Investments to Combat Opioid Epidemic and Boost Recovery Supports

$1.4 million in awards; Programs for peer support, services to sustain recovery and alternatives to opioids

February 19, 2019

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Human Services has awarded nearly $1.4 million in grants for new addiction treatment programs focusing on peer recovery, intensive support for people dependent on opioids and alternatives to opioids for pain management for older adults.

“The Murphy Administration is committed to increasing innovative best practices and expanding treatment and recovery supports for New Jerseyans with opioid and other addictions,” said New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson. “Governor Murphy is leading New Jersey’s fight against the opioid epidemic including through an increased focus on access to medication-assisted treatment programs. Today’s awards will build on and expand our work to date.”

“The investments we are announcing today will help us reach the people who need help the most,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke, who directs the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “We are committed to assisting individuals with addictions in finding and sustaining their path to recovery.”

Awards include:

• $700,000 for the Support Teams for Addiction Recovery (STAR) program.  STAR awardees areOaks Integrated Care of Burlington County ($350,000) and Prevention Links of Union County($350,000). The STAR program will provide case management and recovery support services for people with opioid use disorder in Burlington, Morris, Passaic and Union counties, which are among the counties with the highest overdose rates.

• $300,000 for regional Community Peer Recovery Centers where individuals can access peer support from individuals in recovery, receive information and support about substance use disorder treatment, utilize recovery support services, and gain information about other community resources in a supportive environment.  Awardees, which each received $100,000, are the Center for Prevention and Counseling in Sussex County, Family Guidance Center of Warren County and theJohn Brooks Recovery Center in Atlantic County.

• $375,000 to increase awareness about alternatives to opioids for the treatment of acute or chronic pain.  Awardees, which each received $75,000, are the Cape May Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Family Connections of Essex County, NewBridge Services of Morris County, Ocean County Board of Health Ocean County, and Prevention Links of Union County.