Camden joins county initiative to combat opioid crisis

CAMDEN - The city will join nearly 20 other municipalities in implementing Project SAVE, a drug diversionary program first introduced in Gloucester Township.

Vince Basara, the city's spokesman, confirmed Friday that Camden would join Pennsauken, Collingswood, Woodlynne, Gloucester City and several other towns in offering the program, which provides a social worker specializing in addictions counseling in its municipal courts.

The so-called "SAVE (Substance Abuse Visionary Effort) advocate" would offer low-level, nonviolent offenders who are struggling with opioid addiction the opportunity to receive detox, treatment and other services. Criminal charges would be put on hold while the client is in treatment.

"The city of Camden recognizes the importance of combating the ongoing health crisis related to prescription pill and heroin abuse that is taking place in so many communities throughout Camden County and beyond," Basara told the Courier-Post in a text message. 

Camden County freeholders on Wednesday announced the program would expand to other communities, and that they were involved in ongoing discussions with officials in towns not yet participating. Camden was not one of the towns announced at that time.

The one-year pilot program is being funded initially with $100,000 in county seed money. It begins Jan. 1.

Camden must first enter into a shared services agreement with the county, something that would need to be approved by City Council and the state, Basara noted. 

"The city looks forward to working with all parties on this very worthy program," he added.

Phaedra Trethan: @CP_Phaedra; 856-486-2417; ptrethan@gannettnj.com

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