Oroho & Space Honor Sussex County Recovery Coaches, Local Law Enforcement for Efforts to Combat Addiction Crisis
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Senator Steven Oroho and Assemblyman Parker Space (both R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) released the following statement in commemoration of the First Anniversary of the establishment of the Sussex County Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery Program (CLEAR.)
Senator Oroho and Assemblyman Space were in attendance at a press conference marking the first anniversary of the establishment at Sussex County CLEAR. The event was held on March 29, 2017 at the Newton Municipal Building in Newton, New Jersey.
Sen. Steven Oroho and Asm. Parker Space marked the first anniversary of the establishment of the Sussex County Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery program at a press conference in March 29, 2017 in Newton, New Jersey. (Wikimedia Commons)
“Sussex County has not been immune to the opioid epidemic tearing apart families across New Jersey,” said Senator Oroho, who is a member of the Advisory Board for the Center for Prevention and Counseling. “There were 36 overdose deaths in our area last year. Sussex County CLEAR has been instrumental in responding to this growing crisis. Its success has given our community an immeasurable amount of hope during this difficult time.
“In just one year, 19 area residents have signed up to become volunteer recovery coaches with Sussex County CLEAR, providing free services to dozens of people struggling with addiction.
“The heroin and prescription drug crisis is running rampant in this state, resulting in the loss of lives, jobs and homes that has impacted communities and destroyed families in every corner of the state,” said Assemblyman Space. “In Sussex County, we are fortunate to have the CLEAR Program, and its hard-working professionals and dedicated volunteers. The success of the program in preventing and treating addiction has made CLEAR a model to be followed by other counties and states struggling financially and emotionally from the opioid and heroin disaster.”
“Parker and I were proud to support a new State law paving the way for collaborative addiction and recovery programs in law enforcement departments statewide,” Senator Oroho said. “The programs outlined under A-3744 empower volunteer recovery coaches, treatment providers, and law enforcement officials to provide pathway to treatment and free recovery assistance for anyone in need of these life-saving services.
“Over the last year, the dedicated health professionals, police officers and local volunteers behind the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. have demonstrated that these free recovery programs can save lives. Their triumphs give me great hope that the law we enacted last October will go a long way to curbing New Jersey’s devastating opioid epidemic.”
In October of 2016, Governor Christie signed legislation (A-3744) that provides for the establishment of law enforcement-assisted addiction and recovery programs in law enforcement departments throughout the State.
In addition to law enforcement officials, the program will also include volunteers and treatment providers – all of whom will work together to provide recovery assistance, healthcare services, and a direct line to treatment for those struggling with addiction.
Established on March 29, 2016, Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. is a collaborative initiative between public safety and public health professionals; treatment providers, and volunteer recovery coaches, who work together to assist people in accessing treatment and recovery support and reducing crime related to substance abuse.
To learn more about Sussex County C.L.E.A.R, click here.
