While it took just moments for the ink to dry on the Memorandum of Understanding, the effect could be life changing.
Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines joined with Ocean Mental Health Services Chief Executive Officer James M. Cooney and New Jersey Reentry Corporation Executive Director Jim McGreevey as the two agencies formally entered into a partnership on July 19 that allows NJRC to refer clients to directly enroll in Ocean Mental Health Services Treatment Program.
“The partnership created today between the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) and Ocean Mental Health Services with the support of Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines will ensure that persons returning from county jail or state prisons will have the benefits of Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT),” McGreevey said. “When persons come home to Ocean County, it is critically necessary to provide for Medicated Assisted Treatment to reduce the cravings of addicts suffering from drug addiction.”
Cooney noted that the agreement will guarantee that Ocean County residents will have the medicine they require to fight addiction when they return home from prison.
“With agencies working hand in hand, we can assist those men and women seeking a second chance and a better life,” said Freeholder Haines. “I commend both Ocean Mental Health Services and the New Jersey Reentry Corporation for working together on this important matter and taking this action. It will help make a difference.”
The Memorandum of Understanding will allow the NJRC to refer clients to be immediately and directly enrolled in OceanMHS’s treatment program. The agreement will enable NJRC clients access to Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, and methadone, which will help to control cravings for opioid use.
According to NJRC, OceanMHS 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.
“Our MOU will provide life-saving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and other addiction treatment to our clients,” McGreevey said. “Today’s agreement will guarantee that Ocean County residents will have the medicine they require to fight addiction when they return home from prison.”
Caption information:
Participating in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding are from left to right Ocean Mental Health Services Chief Executive Officer James M. Cooney, Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines, who served as a witness to the signing and New Jersey Reentry Corporation Executive Director Jim McGreevey.