Addicts Released From Jail Will Enter Treatment

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, and New Jersey Reentry Corporation Executive Director Jim McGreevey. (Photo courtesy Ocean County)
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, and New Jersey Reentry Corporation Executive Director Jim McGreevey. (Photo courtesy Ocean County)

BERKELEY – When someone is released from jail, they sometimes need addiction treatment. That’s why a deal was worked out that when people come back home to Ocean County, they will be enrolled in a treatment program.

  The partnership was forged between the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) and Ocean Mental Health Services.

  The New Jersey Reentry Corporation, according to its website, is a nonprofit with the goal of removing barriers to employment when someone is released from jail. Ocean Mental Health Services provides a number of treatment and support options locally.

  According to a press release from the county, the agreement will allow NJRC clients to receive Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, and methadone, to help to control cravings for opioids.

  “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,” said New Jersey Reentry Corporation Executive Director Jim McGreevey.

  Ocean Mental Health Services Chief Executive Officer James M. Cooney said that the agreement will guarantee that Ocean County residents will have the medicine they require to fight addiction when they return home from prison.   The NJRC Ocean County Reentry site is located at 310 Main Street, Suite 3B, Toms River, New Jersey. For further information regarding NJRC, contact Josie White, LSW, at 848-238-7009 or swhite@njreentry.org.