\nThe basics:<\/p>\n
Cooper Norcross Health launches a mobile addiction treatment program
\nInitiative is backed by a $500K state grant
\nSpecialized teams will connect Camden residents with substance use treatment, recovery services
\nMore network news: Upstream Access, founded by two Cooper surgeons, receives a $320K NIH award<\/p>\n
Cooper Norcross Health has launched a new Mobile Integrated Health Program to expand access to addiction treatment and recovery services across Camden.\n<\/p>\n
The program is supported by a $500,000 state grant, the Camden-based healthcare provider announced Oct. 21.\n<\/p>\n
The initiative will deploy two specialized care teams to assist individuals with substance use disorders. The MIH teams will work with Cooper Norcross Health\u2019s Emergency Medical Services<\/a> and Division of Addiction Medicine.\n<\/p>\n The program will identify individuals needing care through 911 overdose responses, hospital discharges, community referrals and direct outreach.<\/p>\n Dr. Gerard Carroll, EMS medical director and division head of EMS and Disaster Medicine at Cooper Norcross Health, said the program will work to connect residents to care \u201cbeyond the emergency response.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \u201cOur paramedics are often among the first health care professionals to encounter people experiencing addiction or other complex health needs,\u201d Carroll said. \u201cBy bringing clinical care and ongoing support into the community, we have an opportunity to engage people earlier, reduce barriers to treatment, and help connect them with the resources they need to move toward recovery.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The initial program will operate for one year, with the potential for an extension based on outcomes and funding.\n<\/p>\n As part of the program, the MIH paramedic team can, when necessary:<\/p>\n Conduct on-site clinical assessments \u201cThis program allows us to meet patients where they are, both geographically and in their recovery journey,\u201d added Dr. Rachel Haroz, head of Cooper\u2019s Center for Healing. \u201cSubstance use disorder is a chronic condition that often requires flexible, ongoing engagement. By bringing care directly into the community, we can reduce barriers, prevent overdoses, and build meaningful connections that support long-term recovery.\u201d\n<\/p>\n On the frontlines<\/p>\n Cooper Norcross Health \u2013 formerly Cooper University Health Care<\/a> \u2013 has long been on the frontlines of the battle against addiction.<\/p>\n According to the health system, Cooper was the first EMS agency in the U.S. to place oral overdose treatment buprenorphine on its Mobile Intensive Care Unit ambulances in 2019. Cooper EMS expanded the Bupe FIRST program in 2025<\/a> to University Hospital in Newark and St. Joseph\u2019s Health in Paterson.\n<\/p>\n Then earlier this year<\/a>, Cooper announced it was the first EMS system in the nation to carry and administer long-acting injectable buprenorphine in ambulances.\n<\/p>\n In July, Cooper\u2019s Emergency Department was one of 17 divisions in New Jersey to receive the 2026 Lantern Awards.<\/a>\u00a0The annual honor recognizes EDs for their exceptional innovation and evidence-based practice.\n<\/p>\n Funding innovations<\/p>\n A Camden-based medical device company formed by two Cooper Norcross Health surgeons has received a $320,893 National Institutes of Health award.\n<\/p>\n Founded in April by Dr. Jeffrey Carpenter and Dr. Katherine McMackin, Upstream Access Inc.<\/a> will use the funding to advance a novel vascular access technology that\u2019s designed to improve procedures and expand treatment options for patients with peripheral artery disease<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n PAD affects more than 12 million Americans, Cooper Norcross said in the Oct. 19 announcement<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n
\nInitiate medications such as buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder
\nConnect patients to Cooper Norcross providers through telehealth visits
\nCoordinate prescriptions, follow-up appointments and transportation to clinics
\nOffer services such as wound care, infectious disease treatment, overdose prevention education, naloxone distribution, and connections to housing, food and other resources<\/p>\n