U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) Monday announced New Jersey was awarded $66,756,027 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue the state’s comprehensive efforts to tackle the opioid epidemic.

“We know that the opioid crisis has impacted individuals from all communities and all corner of our state,” said Sen. Menendez. “This grant funding will help support the state’s efforts in battling this epidemic through treatment and prevention as we work to lower the number of lives lost to opioids.”

“The opioid epidemic has taken a devastating toll on all New Jersey communities,” said Sen. Booker. “This federal funding will expand our ability to tackle this crisis head-on and offer those facing addiction the resources they need.”

Specifically, New Jersey’s Opioid Response Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is designed to provide states flexible funding to support prevention, treatment, and recovery services in the ways that meet the needs of their state, with a focus on providing evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021, an increase of more than 15 percent from 2020.

“Every American deserves access to culturally responsive prevention, treatment, and recovery services and supports,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA. “SAMHSA remains committed to fighting overdose and to reminding the nation that there is hope – treatment is effective and recovery is possible.”