Somerset County officials, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, and the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies announced the commencement of phase two of Somerset County’s Operation Help Hand Initiative.
Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson stated that on Saturday, August 22, members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office along with members of the Recovery Support Specialists from Reach for Recovery Program, Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center, conducted a door-to-door outreach of known Somerset County residents with substance use disorders.
All those involved in this outreach adhered to social distancing, as well as health and safety protocols.
The goal during each encounter was to have the Recovery Support Specialists engage residents in need providing on-the-spot referrals to treatment and other resources.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that during the operation the team facilitated one-to-one contact with 27 households establishing 21 positive connections to residents and/or their families.
Ultimately 13 residents agreed to enter into a treatment service and start the recovery journey on-the-spot. With only three denials of the services offered, Somerset County believes phase two was a huge success and looks forward to expanding the second phase of the Operation Helping Hand initiative.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Monday, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day. In recognition of this day and the many lives lost from overdosing, Somerset County Operation Helping Hand, and its community partners, as well as representatives from Community in Crisis in Bernardsville, will be engaging with the public on Main Street in Somerville throughout the day.
Educating our residents that overdose is preventable and talking about overdose can save lives is our top priority.
National Recovery Month is observed every September to promote and support treatment and recovery services across the nation.
Prosecutor Robertson is committed to educating Somerset County residents about addiction, treatment and highlighting those who are making strides toward their recovery journey.
Prosecutor Robertson and Chief Fodor request that anyone seeking these professional services offered to kindly reach out to the Reach for Recovery Program at the Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center, (Recovery Support Specialists) at (908) 253-3119 and mention the Operation Helping Hand program or the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Helping Hand coordinator at (908) 231-7100.