Title: Mercer County COSSUP Program

Mercer County is home to 387,430 residents within 12 municipalities, including the City of Trenton which serves as the state capital and county seat. This data-driven implementation with external analysis will prompt a systematic shift in supporting the substance/opioid use disorder (S/OUD) community by reducing the impact of illicit opioids, stimulants, and other substances. This will be accomplished by connecting the S/OUD population and their families with expanded access and opportunities to enter evidence-based treatment, referrals to support resources and treatment, education, and lifesaving supplies. 
 
This project will serve the entire county and support four distinct programs. The 24/7 Operations Program will ensure the expansion and sustainability of 24/7 deflection and diversion operations for law enforcement and other first responders while offering peer recovery specialists 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The Mercer Cares Program will provide high visibility bi-monthly outreach events with partners who support the S/OUD community, including first responders, and social, civic, medical, mental health, and other support groups/entities. These partners will connect the S/OUD community with resources to support a sober lifestyle. The Delivering Resources for Opioid Prevention Team (DROP Team) will establish an opioid prevention response team. DROP Team members will respond to any known location of a suspected overdose to deliver resource information and additional naloxone to families within 48 hours of occurrence and attempt a referral to recovery coaching services at the time of response. The Straight to Treatment Program will enable those who suffer from S/OUD to walk into designated law enforcement agencies at pre-determined days/times, to allow them to enter coaching and/or treatment whenever they are ready and willing, on their own accord.