NNews April 2024

31 April 2024 MorganThompson: Through a new technical assistance initiative, we are working with substance treatment and primary care providers to integrate peer recovery specialists. We help themdevelop organizational readiness, job descriptions and evaluations, and assist with onboarding of new staff. NJAMHAANews: Please provide an update on partnerships with providers for the RecoveryManagement Check-Up (RMC) Initiative and how this programhas grown. CindymarieDix: NJ-CARS provides technical assistance and actively connects people in South and Central Jersey to their local recovery communities, and it’s expanding significantly. MorganThompson: The RMC Initiative is statewide. NJ-CARS is the grantee in central and southernNew Jersey. Prevention is Key is inNorth Jersey. All referrals come throughNJ-CARS. This is NJ-CARS’ first foray into direct services. There’s such a disconnect between the treatment continuum and recovery support, although recovery support is part of the continuum. There are still silos; however, it’s better than it was ten years ago. Discharge planning is complicated with recovery centers not being in all geographic areas. NJ-CARS are experts on the recovery support services that exist, so we connect people when they are planning for their discharge from treatment. We provide encouragement and support during the vulnerable period of discharge to the community and prevent the cycle of being in and out of treatment programs. We’re focused on connecting all the providers throughout New Jersey. We’re startingwith residential programs, but want providers of all levels of care involved. There’s a lot to learn for treatment leadership, so they buy into this. Treatment providers recognize the need and howwe’ve been responsive and supportive. It’s a challenge. We’re helping discharge planners at treatment organizations. We explain the purpose of the program to themso they can sell their clients on it. We will present at treatment organizations whenwe can. Their own providers, casemanagers and peer providers need to be well versed on the RMC Initiative. “ Everything we do is for and by members. ” Cindymarie Dix Director of Recovery Community To participate in the RMC Initiative, please contact Mike Santillo, LCADC, Chief OperatingOfficer, Prevention Links, atmsantillo@preventionlinks.org .