Plan Focuses on Improving Overall Health and Wellbeing of Those Served by the Agencies

April 12, 2024

(TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department has awarded contracts to embed nurse care managers into outpatient substance use disorder treatment agencies.

The awards aim to help ensure other health care needs of individuals being served at substance use disorder treatment agencies are met, especially the prevention and treatment of hepatitis C.

The $1.66 million federally funded plan focuses on improving the overall health and wellbeing of individuals served by the agencies, with an emphasis on the treatment of hepatitis C and the integration of clients’ behavioral and medical healthcare.

“As we continue to integrate behavioral and physical health care, it’s important that treatment includes nurse care management, case management and health coaching to reduce identifiable health risks associated with hepatitis C, other infectious diseases and medical issues that people managing opioid use disorder are at high risk of contracting,” Commissioner Adelman said. “Research shows that behavioral health interventions help people successfully initiate and remain in care for hepatitis C and substance use disorder treatments. By reducing barriers to seeking treatments for disease, we can help the whole person.”

Human Services awarded contracts to Bright Harbor Healthcare in Ocean County, Integrity, Inc. in Essex County, and Maryville, Inc. in Gloucester and Cumberland counties to launch this new service.

This program is designed to respond to the need for comprehensive care for the prevention, screening and treatment of physical health conditions that are a higher risk for people with substance use disorders. The full array of services will be incorporated into a client’s care plan. In addition to hepatitis C, this can include chronic diseases such as cardiometabolic syndrome, diabetes and lung disease. This will address barriers to care and increase the likelihood that people will stay in treatment, reduce risky behavior and fully recover from the disease.

Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke said all clients served by the agencies that received the contract will be eligible for the services.

“All clients who test positive for chronic or acute illness must be offered and encouraged to receive treatment, case management and health coaching to increase the likelihood that their overall well-being improves,” Assistant Commissioner Mielke said. “We will be meeting the individuals where they are in their treatment.”