Bridgewater Launches 'Reach' Program To Combat Opioid Epidemic In Township

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Lending a helping hand for those suffering from opioid addiction in the community, Bridgewater Township announced the launch of "Bridgewater Reach."

The three-prong initiative stems from the National Opioid Settlement where the Township has so far been granted $94,659.52 with more payments expected in the coming years.

New Jersey was awarded $641 million as part of the massive settlement with opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the country's three largest pharmaceutical distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen. Payments will be made through 2038 and split evenly between the state as well as counties and municipalities.

"The Bridgewater Reach initiative will bring real, tangible aid to the people in our community who need it most," said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. "There will be no empty promises or superficial platitudes. The addiction crisis in our community is beyond that. No person or community can fight this battle by themselves, but every effort makes a difference."

The Bridgewater Reach program will be broken down into three main elements:

1. Community Recovery Coach: The hiring of a dedicated Community Recovery Coach to work in conjunction with the Bridgewater Police Department to help residents afflicted by addiction
2. Local Education Programs: Innovative local educational programs designed to pre-emptively protect those at risk for falling into addiction and to help those who are already battling it, as well as the family and friends; this aid will be directed at all population groups in the community, from school-age children to our senior citizens;
3. Community Grants: A grant program through which local nonprofits can receive program funding to use their expertise to create innovative programs to help our most vulnerable populations, to be administered in partnership with the Municipal Alliance Committee; eligible nonprofits can apply for funding to further their advocacy work, expand outreach initiatives, and create meaningful solutions to address the challenges posed by the opioid epidemic.

"Part of our goal with this initiative is to partner with the Municipal Alliance Committee in the execution of Bridgewater Reach. The Municipal Alliance, an incredible group of community members, works hard to prevent addiction right here in Bridgewater. They will be an invaluable help as we manage this program. We will also partner with a multitude of community-based nonprofits who will also bring the expertise that we need," said Moench.

Lynne Hurley, the Chairperson of the Bridgewater Municipal Alliance Committee, said, "I am thrilled with the opportunity to work closely with the community on this project. This crisis has impacted more people than we will likely ever know, and these initiatives will provide support and progress for those affected by the opioid epidemic."

The township is hoping to get the three elements of the initiative implemented as soon as possible.

"We recognize that there are several nonprofits doing important work to combat the opioid epidemic right here in Bridgewater," said Council President Michael Kirsh. "We want to ensure that we focus funding at the grassroots level, where life-on-life work is helping those affected by the opioid crisis."

Council Vice President Timothy Ring addressed the first part of this initiative: "Having a Community Recovery Coach on retainer with the Police Department will be an incredible resource. He or she will serve as a liaison between law enforcement and individuals struggling with opioid-related disorders, facilitating appropriate connections to treatment and support services."

For more information about the Bridgewater Reach initiative and its components, visit bridgewaternj.gov/bridgewater-reach or contact OCR@bridgewaternj.gov.

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