$95 Million Committed To Combat New Jersey Opioid Crisis

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy today unveiled plans to allocate more than $95 million from the state's Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund to support vital programs combating the opioid crisis. This funding will help New Jersey residents by reducing overdoses, mitigating the harmful effects of substance abuse, and aiding in the treatment and recovery of those battling substance use disorders.

The decision to allocate this funding was made based on recommendations from the State’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council and extensive public input. Six key programs have been identified which will address four main areas: harm reduction, prevention and recovery support, treatment, and housing. These programs will receive funding over the next two to three years.

Governor Murphy stated, "Today we are making a historic investment in life-saving and life-changing programs that will connect those suffering from substance use disorder with the help they need." He emphasized that the funded services would empower New Jersey families and individuals who have experienced the devastating impact of addiction by providing necessary resources for sustained recovery.

The funding will be distributed as follows:

• $24 million over two years to increase harm reduction and drug user health services at authorized Harm Reduction Centers, and to distribute harm reduction supplies through partner organizations in high-need areas.
• $17.505 million over three years to expand operations at New Jersey’s 22 Community Peer Recovery Centers, offering treatment information and other resources in supportive, substance-free environments.
• $9.025 million over three years to replace and add mobile units providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services in the community.
• $19.5 million over three years to scale remote referrals to enable round-the-clock connections to care from vetted treatment providers and harm reduction services.
• $17 million over three years to strengthen the supported housing continuum, including emergency shelter beds, short-term rental subsidies, transitional housing beds, and permanent housing assistance.
• $8.1 million over three years to grow the New Jersey Keeping Families Together program, which assists parents with opioid use disorder through housing vouchers, rental subsidies, case management, linkage to community services, and therapeutic supports.

The Departments of Human Services, Health, and Children and Families will administer these initiatives. Furthermore, in 2024, $500,000 will be allocated to address new challenges in the opioid response, including the rising threat of fentanyl adulterated or associated with xylazine in the drug supply nationwide.