Cooper Center for Healing and Addiction Medicine Fellowship Team Members Participate in Seeds of Hope Ministries Run for a Life in Camden

Cooper Center for Healing and Addiction Medicine Fellowship Team Members Participate in Seeds of Hope Ministries Run for a Life in Camden

Cooper Center for Healing and Addiction Medicine Fellowship Team Members Participate in Seeds of Hope Ministries Run for a Life in Camden. Pictured are Lindsay Wilson, Patricia Fortunato; Carla Noguera; Marylin Colon; Ashley Schaefer; Samantha Huo, and Lucy Flood.

On April 23, 2022, Cooper Center for Healing and Addiction Medicine Fellowship team members participated in the Seeds of Hope Ministries Run for a Life in Camden. Together with other community members, the team covered the Wiggins Waterfront Park course to honor those lost, and to raise awareness for people struggling with substance dependence and substance use disorder.

Information About Substance Dependence and Substance Use Disorder

SUD (substance use disorder): People can be diagnosed with a specific type of SUD based on the primary substance that they are experiencing issues with, such as OUD (opioid use disorder) or stimulant use disorder. Many patients with SUD experience issues with multiple substances (polysubstance use disorder).

IDU (Injection Drug Use): The overdose crisis—both on a statewide and national level—has also brought to light an increased and ongoing incidence of bloodborne infections, from HIV to viral hepatitis to bacterial infections. These infections are primarily borne from contaminated drug injection equipment and low vaccination rates among at-risk populations.

MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment): FDA-approved medications can be used to safely and effectively treat OUD and AUD (alcohol use disorder). MAT is clinically effective to help manage cravings and withdrawal, leading to long-term recovery.

Harm Reduction: For people who stop their treatment plan at any time, or who are not ready to stop using drugs, there are harm reduction strategies and resources to help keep them safe until they are ready to continue their treatment plan or begin a plan.

Sterile Needle and Syringe Access: Sharing needles and using used needles increase risk of diseases like HIV and hepatitis. It is very important for PWID (people who inject drugs) to always use a new, sterile needle and syringe if they are going to inject drugs. Even reusing personal needles can cause damage to skin tissue and veins.

In New Jersey, pharmacies can sell up to two hypodermic needles and syringes, without a prescription, to customers 18 years or older who provide valid photo identification. (P.L.2011, c.183)

Individuals can exchange used supplies and obtain sterile supplies at local SSPs (syringe services programs). The Camden AHEC (Camden Area Health Education Center) provides a mobile van at 2600 Mount Ephraim Avenue where individuals can obtain condoms, sterile needles, syringes, FTS (fentanyl test strips), and other lifesaving equipment and resources. Hours of operation are Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Naloxone and Overdose Prevention: All PWUD (people who use drugs), patients who are prescribed opioids, and loved ones should keep naloxone on them in case someone overdoses. The most common form is NARCAN® nasal spray. Naloxone is available with a prescription from providers, and over the counter in pharmacies in New Jersey. Additionally, the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition will mail intramuscular naloxone to those who cannot otherwise access it: nextdistro.org/newjersey

Support Is Available Through Cooper

HIV Testing and Treatment, and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Location

cooperhealth.org/services/early-intervention-program

  • Infectious Disease and Early Intervention Program
    3 Cooper Plaza, Suite 513
    Camden, NJ 08103
    Scheduled Appointment Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Addiction Medicine Consult Hours: Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    HIV Testing Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    856.963.3715

Substance Dependence and Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Treatment Locations
cooperhealth.org/recovery

  • Camden Walk-In Clinic
    Three Cooper Plaza, Suite 220
    Camden, NJ 08103
    Walk-In Hours: Monday to Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    Please Note: Limited walk-in slots are available. Please schedule appointments at our Bridgeview Building or other locations to ensure care.
  • Bridgeview Building
    800 Cooper Street, 4th Floor
    Camden, NJ 08102
    Scheduled Appointment Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    856.342.3040
  • Cooper Primary and Specialty Care at Camden County College
    200 College Drive, Polk Hall
    Blackwood, NJ 08012
    Scheduled Appointment Hours: Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    856.536.1630
  • Cooper Pennsville Primary Care
    390 North Broadway, Suite 100
    Pennsville, NJ 08070
    Scheduled Appointment Hours: Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    856.678.6411

Clinical Services Offered at Camden, Blackwood, and Pennsville Locations

  • MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment)
  • EMPOWR (Empowering Mothers to Parent and Overcome with Resilience): for pregnant and parenting women
  • MAT FOR ALL: Full coverage services for substance use disorder and mental health for uninsured people, including people experiencing undocumentation.

Substance Dependence and Substance Use Disorder Inpatient Treatment Location

cooperhealth.org/services/recovery-village-cherry-hill-cooper

  • Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper
    761 Cuthbert Boulevard
    Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
    856.890.9449
    Clinical Services Offered at Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper: Full continuum of addiction care

Academically, the Center for Healing provides medical education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and conducts an ACGME-accredited fellowship in addiction medicine. The Center for Healing is also recognized by the State of New Jersey as a MAT Center of Excellence.

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