Linda Stamato said on Apr. 23 that New Jersey faces important decisions in managing the $1.1 billion it will receive over 18 years to address opioid addiction. Stamato, a longtime researcher of state public policy, wrote that the state’s approach so far has disappointed many observers, including the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council, whose allocation criteria were not followed by lawmakers.
The issue is significant as it affects how effectively New Jersey can address opioid addiction and prevent further harm. Stamato pointed out that oversight efforts such as Johns Hopkins University’s Payback project are tracking how states use national opioid settlement funds, which could help increase transparency and encourage best practices.
“Payback’s reporting system will create incentives to lessen the political pressures and encourage New Jersey to turn to best policy and practice to prevent and treat opioid addiction,” Stamato said. She also highlighted innovative approaches from other states, including using people with lived experience in outreach roles, focusing on racial equity, creating wraparound services for reentry populations, and reducing stigma around addiction treatment.
Stamato noted Minnesota’s collaborative approach in eliminating county lines for funding distribution and supporting prevention programs at various school levels as examples worth considering. North Carolina’s efforts included gathering input from rural communities with different needs than urban areas.
She concluded by calling for programs shaped by experts committed to meeting critical needs in treatment and prevention: “We must establish programs with input from those with expertise and commitment to meeting the states’ critical needs in the treatment and prevention of opioid addiction. And not least, we must establish the community’s trust in government.”
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University has been recognized for its research centers focused on community development, transportation, health, workforce development, energy policy according to its official website. The school operates as part of Rutgers University according to its official website.
The Bloustein School was established with a focus on fostering just, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable and healthy communities at local through global levels according to its official website. It has earned national rankings including third place for graduate urban planning programs and fourth place for undergraduate public health programs according to its official website. The Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished alumni since 2013 alongside annual achievement awards dating back to 1994 according to its official website.
Stuart Shapiro assumed leadership as dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy in 2023 according to its official website.