Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) applauded the announcement that the federal government would be investing $13 million dollars to improve New Jersey’s response to the state’s opioid epidemic. This funding was awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as allocated by the 21st Century Cures Act that was signed into law last year.

At an event at the CarePlus facility in Paramus in January, Gottheimer urged Governor Christie to put together the strongest possible application to compete for these federal funds by working with those fighting the epidemic on the front lines in North Jersey. Last month, Gottheimer encouraged towns and local non-profit organizations to apply for grants to combat opioid addiction by bringing back more federal funds to support these communities in need.

“I’m glad this federal investment is coming to New Jersey to fight the deadly opioid epidemic that has devastated too many families across the Garden State,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “However, there is more to be done on this front, and I will continue to work relentlessly with federal, state, and local officials as well as law enforcement and treatment and recovery experts to stem the deadly crisis of substance abuse disorder in New Jersey.”

Bergen County experienced more than 300 opioid overdoses in 2016. And in Sussex County last year, accidental drug overdose deaths rose by more than 60 percent.

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