$900K in grants given to organizations in 9 counties; recovery centers will now be available in 19 counties 

April 7, 2022

(TRENTON) – As part of the state’s ongoing response to the opioid crisis, Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department has awarded grants to organizations in nine counties to establish Community Peer Recovery Centers (CPRC). CPRCs provide a safe space where individuals recovering from substance use disorder can receive information about substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services.

Currently, there are 10 counties that have already received this funding. The grants announced today will expand CPRCs to the following counties: Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset.

“Opioid use disorder continues to be a pervasive problem that impacts individuals in the state across all racial, ethnic, age and socio-economic demographics. The Murphy administration has taken meaningful action over the last four years to combat this crisis, including efforts to connect individuals to treatment and recovery supports, which is precisely what these centers will provide,” said Commissioner Adelman. “These recovery centers provide a safe place for individuals in all phases of recovery to gather in support of one another, share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer each other hope in a community setting. We are glad they will now be available in additional counties to help promote sustained recovery for those that need it, and prevent recurrence of substance use.”

The New Jersey 2018 Substance Abuse Overview indicated heroin and other opiates were the primary drugs in 50 percent of treatment admissions, with 44 percent due to heroin.  According to the 2018 Treatment Episode Data Set, New Jersey is fifth in the nation for primary heroin admissions for persons aged 12 and older and seventh in the nation for other opiates.

“Recovery is an ongoing process. These centers will provide a welcoming and sober space where individuals can receive peer-to-peer support and training, and engage in social, educational and recreational opportunities that can help foster independence, build confidence and allow them to contribute positively to their communities,” said Assistant Commissioner Valerie L. Mielke, who heads the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The grants have been awarded to the following organizations:

• Burlington – County of Burlington
• Camden – Center for Family Services
• Cape May – Cape Regional Medical Center
• Hudson – Prevention Links
• Hunterdon – Prevention Resources
• Middlesex - Prevention Links
• Monmouth - Prevention Resources
• Ocean – Hope Sheds Light
• Somerset – Community in Crisis Inc.

Each organization will receive a $100,000 grant for start-up funding to cover staff, office space, supplies and equipment such as vehicles, laptop computers and cell phones.

The grants are funded with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) State Opioid Response to Grants funding.

The purpose of CPRCs is to provide an environment where individuals can access peer support, information about substance use disorder treatment, recovery support services and information about other community resources in a supportive substance free environment.

Programming may include classes focused on wellness, nutrition and illness management, self-care, stress management, financial management and literacy education, and job and parenting skills. Housing assistance such as finding sober living homes, apartments and roommates may also be provided as well as telephone support.

All activities will be led and driven by “peers” - individuals who have experienced addiction and recovery either directly or indirectly as a family member or friend and received training on how to provide recovery supports and services to others.
            This funding will expand the continuum of care to include an array of services that support individuals in their recovery including:

• Strengthen the linkage between treatment and recovery;
• Increase support for sustained recovery within the community;
• Support individuals in their recovery and provide them with a sense of hope;
• Offer resources to individuals seeking information on substance use disorder and behavioral treatment;
• Help prevent recurrence of problematic substance use;
• Inform individuals about naloxone training and where they can obtain this life saving medication;
• Provide recovery resources;
• Provide a trauma informed community where individuals can achieve a full and satisfying life free of trauma and its consequences;
• Help individuals in recovery to plan, create, invent and make things happen in their lives;
• Improve life skills;
• Provide a center for community-based leadership to grow and develop; and
• Lead to improved outcomes such as: abstinence from substances, increased employment, increased enrollment education/vocational training, increased social connectedness, and reduced involvement in the criminal justice system.

Service delivery should begin as soon as possible and no later than three months after grants are awarded.

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