Burlington County, NJ

Burlington County Government

new jersey

Suburban & Rural | Population: 469,167

Burlington County, New Jersey, is grappling with a severe addiction crisis fueled by opioids, stimulants, and emerging substances like xylazine. Despite some progress in reducing overdose fatalities since 2021, the county saw a staggering 91.3% increase in overdose deaths between 2012 and 2022. Fentanyl remains a dominant factor, appearing in 83.3% of toxicology reports over the past year. Additionally, xylazine has emerged as a significant contributor to drug-related deaths, complicating treatment due to its unique effects.  

Key COSSUP Initiatives

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Sustain MAT services in the jail and ensure continuity post-release.

PEER RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES

Connect individuals in the Burlington County Jail to Peer Recovery Coaches to facilitate access to treatment programs, recovery housing, and job training opportunities.

law enforcement diversion

Support a self-referral program available at ten police departments allows individuals to seek treatment without fear of legal consequences.

Prevention Services

Deploy a mobile prevention unit dedicated to educating youth about substance use risks and mental health resilience through interactive tools and school outreach programs.

Anticipated Benefits of Project

• Reduction in overdose fatalities

  This project aims to reduce overdose fatalities through access to timely and effective treatment, including medications for opioid use disorders and naloxone distribution.

• Improved reentry outcomes

  This project aims to improve the reentry process and therefore reduce recidivism by addressing barries to treatment, including housing, employment, and transportation.

• Increased prevention services

  This project aims to improve prevention efforts by educating K-12 students on the risks associated with substance use and mental health coping strategies.

Collaborative Partners

• Burlington County Department of Corrections

• Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office

• Burlington County Department of Human Services

• Burlington County Department of Health

• Walter Rand Institute, Rutgers University

• Community-based organizations, including…

  • Volunteers of America

  • Prevention is Key

  • Silent Epidemic

  • Solstice Counseling Services

  • AGAPE Project

  • Lumberton Emergency Squad

Project Director

Melissa O’Mara
Burlington County
momara@co.burlington.nj.us
609-265-5873

This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.