FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with CPC Behavioral Healthcare and Recovery Advocates for the Shore, has launched two initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic.
County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni reported that his office has created a 24-hour helpline and an opioid diversion program to help residents of Monmouth County suffering with opioid use disorders and to simplify their connection to local treatment.
“This early intervention and treatment is key in breaking the cycle of opioid addiction and criminality,” he said.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, through the Office of the Attorney General’s NJ CARES Operation Helping Hand grant, has established a 24/7 helpline 833-OHH-CARE staffed by recovery coaches from Recovery Advocates for the Shore (RAFTS) that links callers to opioid use treatment through CPC Behavioral Healthcare (CPC).
Additionally, the Office has created a prosecutor-led pilot program called the Opioid Diversion Program (ODP) to divert non-violent offenders facing opioid possession charges to treatment at CPC in lieu of traditional prosecution.
“We at RAFTS are excited to be a part of this collaboration to further our mission to help families and individuals that are impacted by substance use disorder,” said Nicole Federici, Founder. “Our recovery coaches are prepared to assist the residents of Monmouth County as they begin their journey to recovery.”
“Along with our helpline, we hope that Opioid Diversion Program will be a conduit for recovery as well,” noted Gramiccioni. Under the program, non-violent offenders with pending opioid possession charges are referred directly to CPC for opioid use treatment. Upon successful completion of treatment, criminal charges will be dismissed.
Since the COVID-19 epidemic, ODP has moved to virtual individual and group therapy sessions with CPC. All participants have been connected to recovery services from RAFTS for additional support during this health crisis. CPC is also conducting virtual intake appointments and treatment sessions, as well as referrals to detox and inpatient programs, for new ODP participants and helpline callers until in-person services recommence.
Social distancing makes recovery more difficult. Most families are separated from their loved ones and worry about their well-being. As a result, this month CPC will host a virtual family night session that ODP and helpline families will be invited to attend.
The session will focus on the recovery process and vital treatment resources for families during the coronavirus.
“At CPC, we value the ODP clients because so many of them have expressed gratitude right from the outset for the opportunity to get linked to treatment early in the criminal justice process,” said Ken Pecoraro, Director of Addiction Recovery Services at CPC Behavioral Healthcare.
“The structure of ODP, with the additional support of RAFTS, has given the participants a renewed opportunity to focus on recovery, especially during the current pandemic. I hope to see this program continue to grow and expand because so many people need the help. On behalf of CPC Behavioral Healthcare, we are so grateful to be a part of this project,” Pecoraro added.
The 24/7 opioid use helpline, 833-OHH-CARE, will be featured on billboards, buses and train stations all across Monmouth County, on Route 9.
