njbmagazine.com: Menendez, Booker Announce $11.3M to Combat NJ’s Opioid Epidemic

3/22/2019

opioid

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announce $11.3 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enhance New Jersey’s efforts to prevent, treat and respond to the growing opioid epidemic.

“This is the critical federal funding New Jersey needs to combat the growing opioid epidemic in our state,” said Sen. Menendez. “Opioid abuse does not discriminate and, as a result, far too many families have been torn apart by the scourge of addiction. With this funding, along with Opioid Crisis Act that was signed into law last year, which included several provisions I wrote, those struggling with addiction across our state and nation will have greater access to the treatment and services they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.”

“Our nation’s opioid epidemic has taken a devastating toll on families and communities across New Jersey,” said Sen. Booker. “With resources like the State Opioid Response grant, we can provide those struggling with the necessary tools to ensure that access to treatment for opioid use is more expansive than ever.”

“The ongoing opioid epidemic continues to needlessly claim lives and devastate communities across New Jersey and the country. As we work to end this crisis, we must continue to use every tool at our disposal to get people on the path to recovery,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. The $11.3 million provided by the federal government will allow the state to continue implementing prevention and treatment programs as well as supporting those currently struggling with addiction. I thank Senators Menendez and Booker for being on the frontlines of this fight.”

The funding was awarded through HHS’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which aims to address the opioid crisis by increasing access to treatment and prevention services.

Last year, Sen. Menendez visited John Brooks Recovery Center in Atlantic County to highlight his efforts to help individuals and families struggling with addiction.

Because of Sen. Menendez’s work, the Opioid Crisis Act provides states with greater flexibility to broaden treatment options and supports family-focused treatment programs to keep children out of foster care while a parent gains the tools necessary to succeed in recovery. The law also includes a measure introduced with Sen. Booker that expands the pioneering approach to pain management alternatives developed by St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson to dramatically reduce the use of opioids in emergency rooms.