NJ Reentry Corporation Partners with CarePlus NJ to Connect Clients to Vital Addiction Treatment Services

On Jul 26, 2019

The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) and Care Plus NJ, Inc. (“CarePlus”), a pioneer in integrated primary and behavioral health services for adults and children, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday, July 18 at CarePlus’ headquarters in Paramus. The partnership will allow NJRC to refer clients immediately and directly to CarePlus’ addiction recovery services, including the outpatient detox program.

The partnership between NJRC and CarePlus will provide NJRC clients access to addiction treatment services and most importantly, allow clients to access Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) such as suboxone and vivitrol, which control cravings for opioid use.

“It is crucial for our clients to have access to addiction services and particularly to Medication Assisted Treatment,” said NJRC Executive Director James McGreevey. “The justice involved population is 129 times more likely to die of overdose in the first two weeks of release than the average American. Immediate and direct linkage to MAT can greatly reduce these numbers, which is why we are so pleased to partner with CarePlus on this initiative and enable our clients to access the lifesaving medication and support services they need.”

The partnership will operate through reentry sites in Hackensack and Paterson where NJRC will perform screenings for substance use and refer clients that test positive to CarePlus within 24 to 48 hours. Clients will then be connected to CarePlus’ addiction recovery program and wraparound services, with access to a full continuum of care including vital social support services such as employment, housing and health care needs.

“So often with substance use disorder, when people want help, they cannot find it or there are barriers to accessing it,” added Joseph Masciandaro, president and CEO of CarePlus NJ. “This partnership will change that as we’ll be able to provide NJRC clients comprehensive addiction treatment when they need it most. CarePlus is prepared with the tools to provide immediate support and wraparound services necessary for lasting and successful recovery.”

CarePlus operates as one of New Jersey’s designated Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs), which are certified by the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as best practice providers. The CCBHC model has removed major barriers for providers across the nation, and has increased access to comprehensive care and treatment. The Memorandum of Understanding will provide life-saving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and other addiction treatment to NJRC clients.

The signing featured remarks from NJRC Executive Director James McGreevey, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, County Counsel/Acting Administrator Julien Neals, CarePlus President and CEO Joseph Masciandaro, and Commissioner Carole Johnson, New Jersey Department of Human Services on the impact of addiction on the reentry population and the importance of MAT and addiction treatment services.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles: