MULLICA HILL, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A new partnership in three South Jersey counties lays out best practices for prescribing opioids for pain management in an effort to avoid addiction.
Cooper, Inspira and Jefferson health systems are now providing additional information and training for doctors in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties about how to responsibly prescribe opioids and break the cycle of addiction.
Part of that plan is to create a new scholarship program to encourage more doctors, nurses, dentists and other prescribers to take part in Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s “Do No Harm” medical education course.
Inspira CEO Amy Mansue says the expanded partnership will also include stronger collaboration between law enforcement and health care providers.
“Literally having our mental health providers riding with police officers to go to those scenes and then looping in recovery coaches. That’s the key,” Mansue said.
Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb McCrae says they can’t arrest their way out of this problem.
“As we break down these silos, as we build trusted relationships, we’re in a better position to serve our community and actually address the root cause of addiction,” she said. “We’re able to touch people at different points in their journey and help them have successful outcomes.”
The “Do No Harm” program is an accredited online course that prescribers must complete in order to renew their licenses.