February 20, 2024
On February 15, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy announced the allocation of more than $95 million from New Jersey's Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund, providing funding to support critical programs tackling the opioid crisis; connecting New Jerseyans with tools to reduce overdoses and other harms of substance use; and bolstering the treatment and recovery of residents struggling with substance use disorders.
"It is truly a historic day as the Governor dedicates Opioid Settlement funds to a broad array of services that will save lives and foster recovery. This initial round of funding is being translated into concrete help that is so diverse in its application that it will touch many populations with different needs," Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA and member of the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council was quoted in a press release issued by the Governor's Office. "From housing to medication assisted treatment to legal services and harm reduction, among other purposes, this funding is both fortifying and expanding existing programs and supporting new initiatives. I applaud the process that the Governor has guided and look forward to the continuing work of the Advisory Council to make recommendations for future funding."
"I am proud to represent New Jersey residents and providers on the Advisory Council, along with NJAMHAA members Morgan Thompson, CEO of Prevention Links, and Robert Detore, CEO of Turning Point," Dr. Wentz said. "The recommendations clearly indicate that the invaluable feedback from the public as well as NJAMHAA members that we shared with other Advisory Council members, as well as the excellent partnership throughout the Council are impactful, and I am confident that additional settlement funds will be allocated to the prevention, harm reduction and treatment services that are needed throughout New Jersey."
As shared in the news release announcing the allocation, the funding will be invested in the following initiatives:
- $24 million over two years to expand harm reduction and drug user health services at authorized Harm Reduction Centers, and to deploy harm reduction supplies through partner organizations in high-need areas: This will support startup and expansion by the 32-and-counting Harm Reduction Center sites authorized under P.L. 2021, c.396 as implemented in 2023.
- $17.505 million over three years to expand operations at New Jersey's 22 Community Peer Recovery Centers, which provide treatment information and other resources in supportive, substance-free environments
- $9.025 million over three years to replace and add mobile units providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services in the community
- $19.5 million over three years to scale remote referrals to enable 24/7 connections to care from vetted treatment providers and harm reduction services: This statewide expansion aims to build upon federal funding that the New Jersey Department of Health is using to pilot the Medication for Addiction Treatment & Electronic Referrals (MATTERS NJ) platform in four counties.
- $17 million over three years to bolster the supported housing continuum, including emergency shelter beds for immediate needs, short-term rental subsidies, transitional housing beds, and permanent housing assistance
- $8.1 million over three years to expand the New Jersey Keeping Families Together program, which supports parents with opioid use disorder through housing vouchers and rental subsidies, case management, linkage to community services, and therapeutic supports
Governor Murphy was quoted saying, "Today we are making a historic investment in life-saving and life-changing programs that will connect those suffering from a substance use disorder with the help they need. By bringing together service providers, subject matter experts, and those who have experienced firsthand the impact of the opioid crisis, we have identified key programs to maximize the State's Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund . . . Together, the services being funded will empower families and individuals in New Jersey who have felt the devastating impact of addiction, giving them the resources necessary to support sustained recovery."
The allocations were made considering recommendations from the New Jersey Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council, as well as from extensive input from the public. The Advisory Council, established in August of 2022, chaired by Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman, includes members such as New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Department of Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston, Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer, and 10 public appointments, who include Dr. Wentz, Morgan Thompson and Robert Detore.
As New Jersey will receive more than $1 billion in settlement funds over the next two decades, the Advisory Council is also undertaking longer-term strategic planning for future allocations.
Click here to access the announcement and for more information, click here to access the Advisory Council Funding Recommendations, and click here to access the New Jersey Opioid Settlements webpage.
