In the News
Congressman Donald Norcross, who has been a strong proponent of New Jersey's burgeoning offshore wind industry, welcomed the news of the MOU and applauded the impact it will have on the South Jersey's economy.
Last year there were 3,046 suspected overdose drug deaths in New Jersey, but recent state data shows this year's total is on pace to top 3,200.
In response, South Jersey congressman Donald Norcross is pushing a plan to increase access to and modernize the process of obtaining methadone to treat opioid use disorders.
Congressman Donald Norcross stressed the importance of mentorship.
"How important is it to learn those lessons of those who have been there before you?" he asked.
"I know I wouldn't be where I'm at today if it wasn't for accessible education and career training, and I know that having The Enterprise Center in Camden will help level the playing field by opening doors to opportunity and increasing access to vital resources for local minority-owned businesses."
Norcross, chair of the Armed Services tactical air and land forces subcommittee, said the measure "strengthens our national defense by ensuring our military personnel, their families, and the companies in the South Jersey region that supported them are bolstered by increasing pay and funding vital jobs and research that improves the survivability of our troops in combat."
Mayor Vic Carstarphen said it's the result of a concerted effort at the city, state and federal level.
"We wouldn't be at this point without the unyielding support of Congressman Donald Norcross and Gov. Phil Murphy," he said. "I want to personally acknowledge their commitment to the city and the residents."
"The Balzano Marine Terminal is a critical link in our supply chain and handles cargo that feeds directly into the broader economy," Rep. Norcross said. "Increasing the number of low-emission reach stackers at the terminal will grow its capacity to offload and move goods, ease bottlenecks, and contribute to the South Jersey economy."
"We have to treat them like any other injury or disease and give them the dignity of accessible treatment," Norcross told NBC News. "Imagine being in recovery and trying to get a job and saying, 'Excuse me, each day I need to go pick up my methadone."
A United States congressman from South Jersey is hoping to help those recovering from addiction nationwide get better access to one type of treatment, while also reducing the stigma surrounding it.
Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) introduces his Opioid Treatment Access Act.
Congressman Donald Norcross joined healthcare and elected officials Monday at a drug recovery center in Cherry Hill to introduce the Opioid Treatment Access Act, a bill that aims to make it more accessible for patients to receive treatment for opioid use disorder in New Jersey and across the country.