Program Will Bolster Efforts to Offer Medication That Can Support Recovery

July 14, 2023

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

“The Department of Human Services is committed to expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, and this additional contract is a reflection of this unwavering commitment,” Commissioner Adelman said. “By providing funding to this qualified treatment provider we ensure that more New Jerseyans in need receive quality care, which ultimately supports long-lasting recovery, improved lives, and stronger communities.”

The contract was awarded to NewBridge Services, Inc. The $69,315 program will be funded for 3 months from July until September 29th through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s State Opioid Response grant. Services began at the beginning of July.

Funds will be used to strengthen the provider’s ability to prescribe and dispense substance use disorder medications, including buprenorphine, naloxone, naltrexone, methadone, and acamprosate. This includes recruiting additional medical staff and purchasing medical equipment.

“Medication-assisted treatment is greatly effective in treating co-occurring substance use disorders because it is a whole-person approach that uses a combination of medication and behavioral therapies. This contract works to make key supports more accessible to those in need,” said Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke, who directs the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services that will oversee the initiative. “We will continue to do everything we can to make sure individuals can access life-saving treatment that is readily available.”

 The contract builds on previous efforts to provide similar services. In May of last year, Human Services awarded $150,000 in contracts to the New Hope Integrated Behavioral Healthcare and the Maryville Addiction Treatment Center to develop the ability to prescribe buprenorphine, naloxone, naltrexone, methadone, and acamprosate. Similarly, in March of last year, 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 provider 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 increased access to medication that can support addiction recovery at homeless shelters; offered a Recovery Management Check-Up (RMC) service in all 21 counties for individuals with substance use disorder who have been discharged from treatment; and established Community Peer Recovery Centers (CPRCs) in Mercer and Salem counties.

“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 important for our overall quality of life and well-being, and is especially crucial for those along the journey to recovery. For those in need of mental health support, please reach out for help through Human Services’ warmlines,” Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke said.