Sheriff Golden To Unveil HOPE One Mobile Unit Tuesday In AP
Opioid Addiction Combat Initiative Announcement will be held during 5 to 8 p.m. National Night Out
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden has announced that he will join Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni, Deputy Chief David Kelso and Mayor John Moor in unveiling a new initiative to combat opioid epidemic during Tuesday night’s National Night Out event.
The annual law enforcement community support initiative is being moved to Springwood Avenue Park this year, and local officials have announced that Springwood Avenue between Atkins and Prospect avenues will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 4 p.m. for the 5 to 8 p.m. family friendly event.
The event will serve as the official unveiling of the new HOPE One Monmouth Mobile Unit, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s office announced Friday.
The first of its kind in Monmouth County, the mobile outreach unit will travel to local communities support services, education, and Naloxone training – a medication used to reverse opioid overdose.
The HOPE One will be staffed with a sheriff’s officer, certified peer recovery specialist, and a licensed clinician, all equipped to provide those suffering from addiction and their family members with immediate aid.
On Tuesday Golden and Gramiccioni announced Next Step, a new program for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorder. During a Tuesday news conference, the two announced those charged with low-level, non-violent drug crimes can get substance abuse help prior to trial.
The first of its kind in the state, Next Step is aimed at combating drug addiction and reducing jail reentry. It is being administered in conjunction with former Gov Jim McGreevey’s New Jersey Reentry Corporation, a nonprofit that aims to remove barriers to employment for those who have served their sentences.
“This is a new and progressive approach, which will lead the way when it comes to addressing addiction and the high rate of recidivism from drug related crimes,” Golden said in written statement. “Addiction is a disease and while we are intent on holding people responsible for their actions, we are just as determined to secure a path to healthier living. Next Step allows substance abuse recovery specialists and clinicians to work inside the Monmouth County Correctional Institution and provide a treatment plan and recovery for inmates upon release, who, would otherwise end up on the streets, with no direction or necessary services.”
National Night Out event in Asbury Park will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Springwood Avenue Park, located between Union and Atkins avenues.
For more about the Monmouth County Sheriff’s new program, click here.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.
