30:6C-11 Findings, declarations relative to substance abuse recovery assistance.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of heroin and opioid-related deaths in the United States has nearly tripled since 2010.
b. New Jersey's overdose death rate is currently more than three times the national rate, and overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the State.
c. Data show that treatment for heroin and opioid addictions have become spread evenly across all of the State's demographics.
d. Increasing access to treatment without fear of arrest or law enforcement action is essential to persuade those who suffer from addiction to receive the treatment they need.
e. In certain parts of the State and in other jurisdictions, increased access to treatment has resulted from collaborative efforts of law enforcement, community professionals, and volunteers providing support to those who need additional assistance in seeking treatment.
f. The establishment of law enforcement assisted addiction and recovery referral programs would provide additional support necessary to assist many of those who need treatment by encouraging those suffering from heroin and opioid addiction to seek recovery; helping to distribute life-saving drugs to prevent and treat overdoses; and connecting people suffering from heroin and opioid addiction with treatment programs and facilities.
L.2016, c.58, s.1.