PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
June 1, 2018

Shereef Elnahal
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Media Advisory: DOH Hosts Opioid Summit to Share Best Practices to Combat Epidemic

Integrated health services, innovative and evidence-based treatment and prevention practices to combat the opioid crisis will be presented and discussed Tuesday, June 5 during the Department of Health’s Third Annual Population Summit at the Bridgewater Marriott.

More than 300 stakeholders are expected to attend the daylong summit, entitled “Better Together: An Integrated Approach to Address the Opioid Epidemic,” which will feature national experts, New Jersey Cabinet members, legislators, policy makers, advocates, clinicians and families.

“This Population Health Summit will focus on best practices and evidence-based treatment approaches to the public health crisis that is affecting all New Jersey communities—regardless of age, sex, race or ethnicity,” said DOH Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal, who will host the summit.

“More than 2,200 people died of overdoses in New Jersey last year. So this summit will convene state partners committed to transforming New Jersey’s infrastructure to improve and save lives, support families, and strengthen communities impacted by the opioid epidemic.

“Members of Gov. Murphy’s Cabinet—who are working collaboratively on this issue to eradicate this epidemic will join me in a 2:15 p.m. roundtable discussion on state initiatives,” said the Commissioner. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Department of Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson, Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer, Department of Corrections Acting Commissioner Marcus O. Hicks, and Senator Joseph Vitale, will all participate in the panel, which will be moderated by former Governor Jim McGreevey.

The summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m. at the Bridgewater Marriott, 700 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (908) 927-9300. Press is requested to RSVP by June 4, 2018 at 609-984-7160.

The 9:25 a.m. keynote address will be presented by international population and integrated health expert David Nash, MD, MBA. The founding dean of the Jefferson College of Population Health of Thomas Jefferson University, Nash is recognized worldwide for his expertise in outcomes management and will discuss the importance and positive outcomes resulting from providing integrated primary and behavioral health services.

“We have a noted array of experts who will leave us with a lot to think about and discuss,” Commissioner Elnahal said, noting that treatment providers and leaders of community-based groups will share their practices, accomplishments and challenges.

“Sharing this expertise will allow for replication of successes and cultivation of critical partnerships,” Commissioner Elnahal said. “I’m confident participants will leave with new ideas and renewed energy to carry out the important work.”

Breakout sessions and panel discussions throughout the day will feature details about best practices – such as medication-assisted treatment, trauma-informed care, and alternatives to opioids for pain relief.

The lunchtime speaker, The Rev. Darrell Armstrong, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton and a key figure in the state’s Faith-Based community, will share some of the experiences he’s had helping parishioners affected by addiction.

People who are in recovery from Opioid Use Disorder and their families will also share their stories at 1:45 p.m.

Other Department leadership who will participate in the summit include Principal Deputy Commissioner Jackie Cornell, Integrated Health Branch Deputy Commissioner Deborah Hartel, Deputy Commissioner of Health Systems Marcela Ospina Maziarz, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke, Population Health Director Colette Lamothe-Galette and Director of Policy and Strategic Planning Magda Schaler-Haynes.

 

Please see the program scheduled and agenda for specific presentation/breakout sessions throughout the day. http://www.nj.gov/health/populationhealth/summit.shtml#2

Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on Twitter @njdeptofhealth, Facebook /njdeptofhealth, Instagram @njdeptofhealth and Snapchat @njdoh.

Last Reviewed: 6/1/2018