Since its inception, The National Center for Advocacy and Recovery (NCAAR), Inc., formerly the New Jersey chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has led advocacy efforts to reduce stigma associated with substance use disorder and mental health. By educating the public and policymakers to approach addiction as a public health issue, we advocate for policy solutions that expand access to high-quality treatment and recovery services and promote the development of a comprehensive, recovery-oriented system of care across New Jersey.

In 2008, NCAAR launched the groundbreaking Advocacy Leadership Program, which has since grown to include more than 1,000 volunteers statewide. This diverse network of advocates, including individuals in recovery, their families, friends, and allies has mobilized efforts to raise awareness, influence legislation, and drive meaningful change. Through public testimony, community events, legislative visits, and letter-writing campaigns, their voices have shaped policy in critical areas such as early intervention, harm reduction, and reforming the criminal justice system to better support individuals with substance use disorders.

Thanks to the tireless work of our advocates, New Jersey has seen significant legislative victories, including the expansion of behavioral health parity, the prohibition of patient brokering, increased access to naloxone and medication-assisted treatment, and the removal of criminal penalties for marijuana possession.

The New Jersey Opioid Settlement Advocacy Group (NJ-OSAG) is a peer-driven initiative that brings together individuals impacted by the opioid crisis; this includes people with lived experience, family members, allies, and stakeholder organizations. Together they developed the New Jersey Roadmap for Opioid Settlement Funds, a framework designed to ensure that opioid settlement funds are allocated to critical areas that promote recovery and strengthen communities. These areas include recovery housing, transportation, family support, grassroots recovery initiatives, employment, a public health approach to substance use disorder, and the establishment of a statewide Office of Recovery.

Unlike traditional funding through the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), the New Jersey Opioid Settlement Funds originate from litigation settlements, with DMHAS serving as the fiduciary agent. It is essential that the allocation of these funds prioritize those most impacted by the opioid crisis to ensure evidence-based, equitable and impactful resource utilization by and for the people directly impacted. 

If you have questions, or if you are interested in joining NJ-OSAG, please email us at NewJerseyOSAG@gmail.com.