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New Jersey Receives $800K Federal Grant to Expand Substance Abuse Recovery Initiative
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and NJ State Police announce the expansion of Operation Helping Hand, aiming to strengthen community recovery from substance use disorders across multiple counties.
TRENTON - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan today revealed a significant injection of resources for New Jersey's fight against substance use disorder (SUD).
The Operation RISE (Recovery, Initiative, Support, and Engagement) program, under the NJSP's Office of Drug Monitoring and Analysis (ODMA), will receive an $800,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
This funding serves to bolster the state's existing Operation Helping Hand (OHH) initiative, launched in 2018 by NJ CARES, an Office of the Attorney General project. OHH's mission is to proactively connect those suffering from SUD with treatment and recovery support services. With the fresh injection of funds, the program will now expand its reach to Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
“Every individual battling a substance use disorder deserves access to compassionate, equitable, and comprehensive evidence-based addiction treatment services,” said Attorney General Platkin. He emphasized the program's potential to heal communities, help individuals reclaim their lives, and build a lasting recovery.
Operation RISE has seen encouraging progress since its commencement in January 2023. Based out of the NJSP Bellmawr Barracks, the dedicated RISE team has engaged with over 169 individuals. Of these, 50 people with SUD have willingly accepted support services, and nine families have received assistance.
Colonel Callahan said, "Our initial success is encouraging and lays the foundation for the expansion that will be possible with the addition of these new funds. Together, we aim to provide vital support, reduce barriers to treatment, and empower individuals on their journey toward a better, safer, and healthier life.”
With the expansion, NJSP can apply for up to $800,000 annually for three years, totaling up to $3.2 million. This funding will be vital to implementing a statewide, comprehensive, and collaborative strategy to mitigate the effects of drug harm within communities.
Operation RISE aims to raise awareness about the dangers of substance use disorders, provide comprehensive education on available treatment and recovery options, and enhance access to naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses.
Earlier this month, the Attorney General’s Office announced additional state funding opportunities for all 21 county prosecutor’s offices and N.J. Transit to continue their OHH programs after August 31, 2023. Further information about these grants can be found at www.njoag.gov/resources/grant-opportunities.
