pressofatlanticcity.com: DEA 360 Strategy to combat opioid, heroin abuse in South Jersey
1/10/2018
A tool known as ODMAP is used by more than 250 law enforcement, first responder and public health agencies in 27 states.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has tapped South Jersey counties to be part of a law-enforcement, diversion control and prevention “360 Strategy” to help cities dealing with heroin and prescription drug abuse.
DEA New Jersey Division Special Agent-in-Charge Valerie Nickerson said as the state faces a heroin and prescription opioid abuse epidemic “like we’ve never seen before,” the 360 Strategy will bring together experts in law enforcement, medicine, drug prevention and treatment to address the problem.
“We know that this is a problem that cannot be addressed by law enforcement alone,” she said in a statement. “It is working together with all of our partners in law enforcement, education, prevention and treatment, and the medical community, among others, where we can have the greatest impact.”
The 360 Strategy will be implemented in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Ocean and Salem counties.
Experts plan to take action against drug cartels and heroin traffickers in specific communities and work with pharmaceutical drug manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies and practitioners.
The strategy also includes partnering with medical professionals, government and community service organizations and community coalitions to educate the public about the dangers of prescription drug and heroin abuse.
DEA officials said they hope to host a youth summit for New Jersey students to educate them on how to address drug misuse and abuse.
The DEA has partnered with national organizations like the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Boys and Girls Club of America, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and more.