Recovery Month, County Adds Treatment Funds

CREST HAVEN – An estimated 15,000 Cape May County residents are affected by mental and/or substance use disorders in some way, according to a resolution passed by freeholders Sept. 13. 
The brief document designated September as National Recovery Month in the county. The board urged the public to “observe this month with appropriate programs, activities and ceremonies to support this year’s recovery month, Join the Voices of Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, and Our Recovery!”
The resolution added, “Behavioral health is an essential part of health and one’s overall wellness, and, prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders treatment is effective, and people recover in our area and around the nation.”
The resolution further encouraged “relatives and friends of people with mental and/or substance use disorders to implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of a problem, and guide those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services.”
The resolution was offered by outgoing Freeholder Kristine Gabor at her final meeting before departing for Florida.
Gabor was director of county Health and Human Services and, in that capacity, had been active in getting the county government to recognize and respond to the scope and severity of addictions that affect many individuals and families.
As if to place money where its “mouth” was, the board passed five resolutions totaling $46,660 related to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Those resolutions, all change orders, add to previously approved contracts to assist those in need of recovery services until Dec. 31, 2016.
The resolutions were to:
* Hendricks House Inc. in Cumberland County, for $4,660. The funds will pay for halfway house services for 86.29 additional bed days through year end.
According to its website, the facility provides alcohol and drug treatment for indigent residents in need. It opened in 1993 and has 40 “residential male beds.”
Residents attend 12-step meetings “and learn about the principles and importance of attendance to continue a strong recovery.”
* Maryville Inc. with facilities in Vineland, Turnersville, and Williamstown, with two amounts, for subacute detoxification services, for $12,760, to purchase 62.5 additional detox days at $204 per day to serve 16 residents through Dec. 31.
The second was for $8,196 to “purchase 55.75 additional days of treatment at $147 per day, serving three residents” through Dec. 31.
* New Hope Foundation, with a detox/rehab facility in Marlboro, two amounts, one for $12,760 to “purchase 63.8 additional days at $204 per day, serving approximately 16 residents” through Dec. 31; and for $8,284 to “purchase 59.17 additional days of treatment at $140 per day serving three residents” through Dec. 31.
According to New Hope’s website, the facility is “Dedicated to treatment of adults and adolescents affected by alcohol, drug or gambling addiction.” It includes residential, transitional and outpatient facilities.