NJ Addictions Hotline 1

Offers access to health, human service and government programs, preparedness information, and beginning November 1, the Addiction Services Hotline.

Finding help should not be difficult reduces confusion, frustration and unnecessary delay in getting help and improves use of community resources by directing people to appropriate services quickly. The same service delivery goals are in place for the Addictions Services Hotline.

Using as an Addictions Hotline DAS joined the Department of Human Services partnership with to include Addiction Services. This service will compliment existing programs such as: – Kinship Navigator Program – Housing Resource Center – End Hunger NJ & NJ Find a Ride web sites – Earned Income Tax Credit – Boardinghouse Complaint Portal – Psychiatric Bed Availability Portal Two methods for accessing the Addiction Services Hotline: Original 800 # ( ) Addictions Hotline number will be answered by an Addiction Resource Specialist Calling 211. There they will be offered addictions information and transferred to an Addiction Resource Specialist as appropriate 4

Provide service by leveraging the existing infrastructure 24 hour access to human services, health, and community resources, emergency preparedness and disaster response resources 365 days a year Multilingual access (170+ languages) Accessible for the hearing impaired (TTY and Live Chat) National I&R standards : AIRS A state of the art database of NJs community resources & topical resource pages Instant Messaging Capability Available online at -

Goals of the Enhanced Addiction Services Hotline Model Reach underserved populations through Increase positive outcomes of those seeking treatment Utilize the existing system to address barriers to treatment through linkage to other services Training & educational hours opportunity for LCADC/CADC candidates Utilize staff trained in screening tools to ensure that referrals will address callers unique needs adequately Collaborate with providers in NJ to improve the quality of referrals 6

Benefits of Model Licensed professional overseeing the process from inquiry to treatment Callers have different demographics then Addictions Services Hotline callers so capturing a new audience Leveraging 2-1-1s relationship within state departments and the local United Ways and 13,000 programs within their database of services Support services referrals, follow up and targeted referrals are expected to decrease client drop out and increase engagement at all levels – Using clinical and financial screening tools, client referrals can be made to the most appropriate services and providers – Offering referrals and connections to support services will break down concrete barriers to treatment (eg. Language, transportation, etc) – Follow up calls to clients to check in on their progress and reconnect them to referrals is integral to the engagement process. 7

Looking Forward Regional Provider Orientations from 9:30-12:30 to share the vision and referrals process – 10/14/10; Camden County Emergency Training Center – 10/22/10; Morristown County Public Safety Training Academy – 10/28/10; NJ Department of Human Services Affiliate Agreement Defining Roles and Responsibilities Offer to meet one on one with any provider to further explore collaborative opportunities Allow for feedback and adjustments in protocol and referral process based on experience

Questions??? Laura Zink Marx Dial ext 4004 or Ana Guerra Dial ext 4225 or