NJ Human Services Awards Contracts to Opioid Treatment Providers to Expand Access to Mobile Medication Services

Initiative Designed to Increase Access to Medications for Substance Use Disorder and Related Services & Supports

October 24, 2024

(TRENTON) - Human Services today announced that $3.2 million in contracts have been awarded to provide mobile medication services to individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) who may encounter obstacles to receiving services at traditional 'brick-and-mortar' treatment agencies.

The expansion is funded through the allocation of New Jersey's opioid settlement funds announced by Governor Murphy in February 2024.

"The goal is to eliminate barriers to treatment and save lives by meeting people right where they are. These funds, which are opioid settlement dollars in action, will target underserved areas and expand access to treatment options and other services and supports to those who need it most," said Commissioner Sarah Adelman.

Awards were made to JSAS Healthcare, Inc. in Neptune, New Brunswick Counseling Center in New Brunswick, and Burlington Comprehensive Center in Mount Holly. Each provider received up to $1.1 million, which includes $325,000 to purchase a mobile outreach van to dispense medication for substance use disorder.

Mobile medication services are expected to begin in 2025. Three awards were issued, one in each of the following counties; Monmouth, Middlesex, and Burlington. These new mobile vans will run in addition to the eight that currently operate in New Jersey. This expansion will enable mobile medication services to be available in the above-mentioned counties, as well as Ocean.

"Hard-to-reach populations are not likely to access traditional health care and social services on their own due to a number of barriers including mental illness, unstable housing, or lack of transportation. Stigma and lack of trust also keep people from seeking out services. Mobile vans can go where help is needed and connect people to treatment and services that will hopefully lead to long-term recovery," said Deputy Commissioner of Health Services Valerie Mielke.

Each provider is responsible for serving a minimum of 200 people per year.

Providers will dispense methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, and provide counseling, case management and recovery support services. Providers are also required to identify and/or address the medical needs of people managing SUD. If medical issues are identified, providers must refer people to primary or specialty care providers for needed services.

"We know that people who are facing instability in their lives will seek treatment more readily when services are brought to them. These mobile units can help us reach individuals most in need of these services in multiple neighborhoods. They can also help build trust by becoming a recognizable and helpful presence in the community," said Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Assistant Commissioner Renee Burawski.

Providers must develop a plan to publicize the route and schedule to the communities being served. They must also partner with other DMHAS-funded initiatives designed to increase access to medications for substance use disorder to the targeted population.

Anyone struggling with substance use disorder is encouraged to call 1-844-ReachNJ, a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week helpline.

Through the end of October, New Jersey's Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council is soliciting public input on how best to allocate the next rounds of opioid settlement funding and to inform the Advisory Council's longer-term strategic planning. Please visit the portal here to submit your feedback and experiences.

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