Press Release: For Immediate Release: April 30, 2015

Contact: Matt Scuteri, PDFNJ, 201-916-1032, matt@drugfreenj.org

Angela Conover, PDFNJ, 201-916-1030, conover@drugfreenj.org

Do No Harm Symposium in Morris County Addresses Opiate Abuse and NJ’s Correctional Facilities

MORRISTOWN – Physicians in Morristown and neighboring counties had the opportunity to learn more about the prescription drug and heroin abuse epidemic in New Jersey, and the effect of the epidemic on our correction facilities.

The Do No Harm Symposium featured expert speakers from law enforcement, the medical community, and treatment and prevention fields. The symposium is hosted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, Morris County Sherriff, Morris County Prevention is Key, and the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Jersey Division. Former Governor James McGreevey, executive director of the Jersey City Employment and Training Program, Dr. Sindy M. Paul, the medical director of the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners, and Phil Streicher Tactical Diversion Squad, Drug Enforcement Administration – New Jersey Division presented to the audience.

Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, explained, “with prescription drug abuse at catastrophic levels in our state, the Do No Harm symposium allowed leaders and stakeholders from the medical community and  law enforcement to come together to discuss solutions for prescription drug abuse in our state.”

 “The opioid abuse abuse problem is a plague currently threatening our communities locally and nationally.  The Do No Harm symposium stressed that this is not a problem that can be solved by any one entity.  There needs to be cooperation among law enforcement, prevention organizations, physicians and pharmacists to help tackle this issue,” said Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the New Jersey Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Morris County Sherriff Edward Rochford concluded, “It is important to me that all inmates are treated with the utmost respect and are given an environment that encourages success.  One measure of success in the facility is determined by the rate of recidivism.  If we can assist in an inmate’s ability to give their life a positive direction, it is better for the whole community.”

The Do No Harm Symposium was at the Morristown Correctional Facility, 43 John Street, Morris Township, New Jersey.

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Best known for its statewide anti-drug advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication.  To date, more than $50 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception the Partnership has garnered over 46 Advertising and Public Relations Awards from National, Regional & Statewide Media Organizations.