Community Corner

Lawmakers Begin to Shape Battle Plan for Fight Against Opioids and Heroin

Addiction experts recommend wide range of measures to try to reduce number of overdose deaths

New Jersey can take more steps to stem the toll on its residents caused by heroin and prescription opioid drugs, addiction experts told a Senate committee yesterday.

Their recommendations range from expanding what doctors are required to learn about addictions and conducting a public-awareness campaign to providing addiction treatment in jails and using technology to link primary care providers with addiction specialists.

Find out what's happening in Teaneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee held a hearing on the topic yesterday as the starting point for what committee Chairman Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex) said would be a comprehensive effort to bolster prevention, treatment and recovery from opioid addiction.

The committee’s work is likely to lead to new legislation, since members of both parties – including Gov. Chris Christie – have expressed concern about the problem.

Find out what's happening in Teaneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Read more at NJSpotlight.com

NJ Spotlight is an issue-driven news website that provides critical insight to New Jersey’s communities and businesses. It is non-partisan, independent, policy-centered and community-minded.




Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.