Prosecutor Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury Join WMTR's Ask the Expert Radio Program
Published on June 22, 2020
June 22, 2020
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury and Melody Runyon, Associate Director of Morris County's Prevention is Key (PIK) and Center for Addiction & Recovery Education & Services (CARES), joined WMTR's show, Ask the Expert, on Sunday, June 21, 2020. Hosted by Jessie Frees, the program focused on the impact the COVID-19 public health emergency is having on the Opioid Epidemic.
Prosecutor Knapp and CAP Seabury have regularly appeared on the show to discuss the impact of illegal narcotics on the Morris County community.
Prosecutor Knapp explained that one ongoing effort is Operation Helping Hand, a collaborative operation with local and county law enforcement partners intended to assist substance users, not narcotics distributors. Law enforcement works with service providers such as CARES to connect those arrested for possessory controlled dangerous substance offenses with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist as an alternative to incarceration. At the same time, Morris County participated in the New Jersey State Police Heroin and Opioid Task Force to target heroin mills, reducing the supply of these dangerous substances.
Prosecutor Knapp recognized that the Opioid Epidemic did not go on hiatus when the COVID-19 emergency began. The disruption to in-person recovery meetings and religious programs due to social distancing and the fact that many in recovery have lost their jobs is placing stress on those who are already struggling with substance use.
Associate Director Runyon said PIK and CARES have stepped up their virtual community engagement, hosting virtual group meetings such as recovery gatherings, grief support, and even yoga over ZOOM. At the same time, they also conduct Certified Peer Recovery Specialists and Narcan deployment training. She noted that they've seen a steep increase in the number of requests for services since March.
CAP Seabury said Morris County has experienced a surge in non-fatal and fatal drug overdoses since the start of the COVID-19 emergency. While it is difficult to predict the long-term impact the emergency will have, Morris County saw a drop in fatal and non-fatal overdoses in 2019 and prior to March, remained consistently lower than this time last year.
Since the launch of the Morris County Narcan Program in 2015, CAP Seabury said Morris County is close to 1,000 deployments of Narcan by law enforcement officers, which offers individuals a second chance at life.
Prosecutor Knapp recognized that the Morris County Sheriff's Office HOPE ONE mobile recovery access vehicle has continued to operate during the COVID-19 emergency.
CARES maintains a 24/7 Telephone Recovery Support available at (973) 625-1143.
Prosecutor Knapp said We greatly appreciate the opportunity to publicly discuss these important issues. During the pandemic, we cannot lose sight of the devastation the Heroin and Opioid Epidemic has had on our society.
Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at mknab@co.morris.nj.us or by phone at 973-829-8159.
