Program Will Bolster Efforts to Help Providers Implement Medication That Can Support Recovery

May 16, 2022

(TRENTON) –  Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department has awarded additional contracts to help mental health and substance use disorder programs provide medication that can support addiction recovery.

“Expanding access to medication-assisted treatment is key in Human Services’ commitment to end the opioid crisis in New Jersey and ultimately save lives,” Commissioner Adelman said. “Helping mental health and substance use disorder programs build capacity will mean more of our most vulnerable residents will have access to medication proven to be effective in helping overcome co-occurring substance use disorder. This ensures more New Jerseyans can lead self-directed lives and experience recovery.”

The $150,000 program will be supported through federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s State Opioid Response grant funding.  

Services are expected to start at the end of May.

Funds will be used to ensure providers develop the ability to prescribe and dispense substance use disorder medications buprenorphine, naloxone and naltrexone, methadone and acamprosate. This includes recruiting additional medical staff and purchasing medical equipment.

“Increasing access to treatment and reducing unmet treatment needs are pivotal in reducing opioid overdose related deaths and creating a New Jersey where all can have access to life-saving treatment. Recovery is always possible, and we are here to help those in need start this journey,” said Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke, who directs the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services that will oversee the initiative.

The contracts were awarded to New Hope Integrated Behavioral Healthcare and Maryville Addiction Treatment Center. Each provider received a $75,000 award.

The contracts build on previous efforts to provide similar services. In March, Human Services awarded $300,000 in contracts to Center for Family Services in Atlantic County and Oaks Integrated Care in Burlington, Camden and Mercer counties to develop the ability to prescribe buprenorphine, naloxone and naltrexone.

The providers will ensure that diversity, inclusion, and cultural and linguistic competence are a part of the services they offer to those they serve.

Recently, Human Services has also worked to expand mental health intervention programs in all 21 counties; awarded grants to create additional recovery centers to support individuals with substance use disorder, which are available in 19 counties; and awarded a contract to provide cultural competency training for opioid treatment providers to reduce the treatment gap experienced by Black residents.

 “I continue to urge anyone struggling with substance use disorder to call 1-844-ReachNJ; a 24-hour-a-day,7 day-a-week help line. A path to recovery is possible and help is always available. Please don’t hesitate to call,” Commissioner Adelman said.

“Maintaining mental health is crucial along the journey to recovery. For those in need of mental health support, please reach out for help through Human Services’ help hotlines,” Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke said.