WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will grant $270,000 in federal funding to Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM). The grant will increase their capacity to treat and raise awareness of endometriosis among women and curtail the disease of opioid addiction in South Jersey. Endometriosis is a chronic pain condition found in ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the intestines, which could lead to life-threatening complications and opiate use disorder. 

“RowanSOM is working every day to deliver life-saving care in South Jersey, and this grant will expand access to those who need it most,” said Congressman Norcross. “It will help South Jersey professionals continue to develop world-class medical care and raise public health awareness for Americans suffering from chronic pain and the disease of addiction. I will continue fighting for legislation in Congress that equips health care professionals with the resources they need to help women at risk for fatal overdose.”

“I want to thank Congressman Norcross for the continued support of our school and of women’s health issues, and I am grateful to the Department of Health and Human Services for funding this project,” said Dr. Lauren Spivack of the School of Osteopathic Medicine and principal investigator of the grant. “Endometriosis occurs in nearly 10% of women and in over 70 percent of those with chronic pelvic pain. A recent study indicated that nearly 38 percent of women found to have endometriosis were at high risk of chronic opiate use conditions to address their endometriosis-related pain. Our project will target this population to develop education on endometriosis, identify women at risk of the disease, and link them with providers in the community trained to treat endometriosis, all in an effort to decrease opiate abuse for those women suffering from chronic pelvic pain.” 

As a member of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, Congressman Donald Norcross has fought to expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatments. In July 2022, Congressman Norcross announced over $400,000 in federal funding for South Jersey health care professionals and expand youth support services through RowanSOM’s CARES Institute. He also introduced the Opioid Treatment Access Act in December 2021, which was partially included in the House-passed Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.  

About RowanSOM 

The RowanSOM has long been a leader in addressing substance abuse disorders and keeping our communities safe. By receiving this grant from HHS, they will increase their capacity to implement treatments for endometriosis in those suffering from substance abuse disorder and chronic pain.