The goals of the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services' (DMHAS) State Opioid Response (SOR) project is to: Increase access to FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD); 2) Support the continuum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services for opioid use disorder (OUD); 3) Reduce unmet treatment need; and 4) Reduce opioid-related overdose deaths. DMHAS will continue to fund a variety of programs that were initiated under the previous SOR grants to meet these goals. Programs include the Expanded Hours/Same Day Service Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) that provide same-day access to low barrier /on demand MOUD, the Mobile Van Pilot program that facilitates low induction medication in communities with low access to MOUD and high rates of homelessness, and the Low Threshold Buprenorphine Induction initiative that implements "low threshold" buprenorphine induction and stabilization programs at statewide harm reduction centers (HRCs). Additionally, a program will be funded to enhance overall recovery in stimulant use disorders utilizing contingency management.
A public information campaign will be funded to reduce discrimination and promote MOUD as the evidence-based practice for OUD. Also, training opportunities will continue for OUD treatment professionals and recovery service workers. Prevention efforts will include expanding target groups that receive naloxone training and kits and expanding the availability of naloxone kits through a portal developed for entities including: HRCs, county correctional facilities, EMS, law enforcement, shelters and treatment facilities. The Opioid Overdose Recovery Program and Public Education for Older Adults prevention programs will be also be continued. Recovery activities will include the continuation of the Community Peer Recovery and Family Support Centers; and programs that provide case management and support services for individuals with an OUD such as the Support Team for Addiction Recovery and the Nurse Care Manager initiatives.
Anticipated outcomes of the NJ-SOR include: reduction/abstinence from drugs and alcohol, increase in employment, reduced criminal justice involvement, increased social connectedness, and increased percentage of individuals completing treatment at the recommended level of care. Additional outcomes include: reducing opioid overdoses, increasing retention in treatment, reducing the length of time to relapse and prolonging recovery, and increasing number of individuals receiving MOUD. It is estimated that NJ-SOR will serve 383,087 individuals during the first year and 692,235 individuals over the two-year project.