Advocacy group underlines priorities, wants more focus on support than on law enforcement
Safe housing, as a foundation for a healthier life. Transportation to substance use treatment, support and job programs. Support for families who have lost loved ones to the opioid epidemic. Funding for grassroots programs proven to save lives. Sustainable employment for people in recovery.
Money from New Jersey’s share of the national opioid settlement should be focused on these priorities, not on law enforcement and incarceration, say advocates who have direct experience with people who use illegal substances. They would also like to see the state create an office of recovery to oversee and coordinate these efforts.
These advocates joined together to form the New Jersey Opioid Settlement Advocacy Group, which in May released an updated version of its “spending roadmap” to help shape the state’s use of this money over the years to come. Now the group wants to spread the word about the road map and encourage county and local governments to use it as a guide to invest in programs and strategies to reduce drug-related fatalities and support people in recovery.