Sheriff Gannon, Hugin Address Opioid Crisis

ROCKAWAY, NJ — Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and U.S. Senate Candidate Bob Hugin met to discuss the opioid crisis crippling communities across New Jersey. Sheriff Gannon and Hugin also toured the mobile recovery access vehicle, known as HOPE ONE, which offers critical support for people struggling with addiction and strives to prevent drug overdoses and deaths.

“The opioid crisis has become personal for far too many New Jerseyans, but it’s organizations like CARES that are truly making a difference in our communities,” said Hugin. “Resources like HOPE ONE and leaders like Sheriff Gannon, are giving people struggling with drug addiction hope. I strongly support their efforts, but we can and must do more to continue reducing the stigma about the opioid crisis and to encourage people to seek the help they need. As Senator, I look forward to ensuring Washington is working in partnership with Trenton and our local communities to provide the resources and tools needed here in New Jersey to effectively address this crisis.”

The Sheriff’s Community Services Unit operates HOPE ONE in partnership with the Morris County Department of Human Services, the Mental Health Association of Morris County, and Morris County Prevention is Key’s Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES). CARES works to engage and organize the recovery community by helping individuals find, maintain, and enhance their recovery experience through peer support, educational and volunteer opportunities, and sober recreation, as well as working to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse through advocacy, education, and service.

“To effectively address and deal with the opioid crisis, we need to have the proper resources to ensure people dealing with drug addiction get the help they need. In addition to resources like HOPE ONE and organizations like CARES, the Federal Government and Trenton need to be partners in addressing this problem,” said Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. “As Senator, I know that Bob Hugin will be a leader in ensuring our local communities have an able and willing partner in Washington to continue combatting this crisis.

HOPE ONE travels twice a week to locations throughout Morris County, bringing services to people in need. A Sheriff’s officer, licensed clinician, and a certified peer recovery specialist — who understand the needs of those suffering with addiction — staff the vehicle.

Bob Hugin, a Marine Corps Veteran and business leader who has created thousands of New Jersey jobs, is running for U.S. Senate against incumbent Senator Bob Menendez. For more information visit bobhugin.com.