Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp has been chosen to serve as a panelist on the New Jersey Association of Counties’ upcoming “Summit on the Opioid Crisis and Resources for Recovery’’ on Dec. 8th.
According to a press release by county officials, this prestigious event, which will explore many facets of the current opioid crisis, will be moderated by radio news anchor Eric Scott of Townsquare Media and New Jersey 101.5.
The program, to be held in West Trenton, will be comprised of two panels. The first panel, featuring Prosecutor Knapp, will examine the state’s opioid epidemic and present viable strategies for combating the public health crisis.
A second panel will discuss essential resources for recovery and recommend new approaches to provide vital support to those in need.
From the start of his tenure, Prosecutor Knapp – who recently was elected as the President of the Prosecutor’s Association of New Jersey -- has worked to educate the Morris County community about the growing opioid epidemic and strategies implemented by the Prosecutor’s Office to address the issues.
Under his direction, the Prosecutor’s Special Enforcement Unit has aggressively targeted for-profit drug dealers for prosecution, while his team of assistant prosecutors have worked with the courts to address drug users with compassion, emphasizing treatment and recovery.
Recognized for his leadership on this issue, NJAC selected Prosecutor Knapp to participate on the first panel.
“I am truly honored by my invitation to sit on the panel and contribute to this statewide discussion,’’ said Prosecutor Knapp. “I also applaud the New Jersey Association of Counties for coordinating this significant event and for promoting awareness of the epidemic.”
Joining Prosecutor Knapp on the first panel will be Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, New Jersey State Police Major Juan Colon, Dr. Jim Baird of Jefferson Health of NJ and Rowan University, plus Louise Habicht of Parent-to-Parent.
The second panel will consist of Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Angelo Valente of Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, Lisa Gladwell of New Jersey Recovery Advocates, Michael Litterer of RWJ Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention, and Dr. Michael W. Shore of Malvern Institute Recovery Center.
Inquiries should be directed to First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante at (973) 285-6200.