Bergen Police, Non-Profit Launch Assistive Heroin Task Force

PARAMUS, NJ — The police department and a nonprofit announced Friday the launch of a new task force designed to get heroin users the help they need.

The department is working with Care Plus NJ Inc. to run the Heroin Addiction Recovery Team (HART) with the support of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. The program launches Wednesday. Care One is an addiction and substance abuse recovery organization.

Those seeking recovery can turn themselves into the police station and will be connected with the services they need to get well. Users may show up Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals with warrants issued for their arrest will have to address those issues before receiving treatment. The Paramus Police Department is at 1 Carlough Drive.

RELATED: Bergen Prosecutor's Office Developing Heroin Recovery Coach Program

"It takes a great deal of courage to seek treatment. If individuals who are motivated are facing barriers to accessing care, it could prevent them from following through," said Katherine Coleman, director of addictive services at CarePlus. "When we open doors, offer guidance and support their entry into treatment, it helps them to be more productive in achieving recovery."

The program is funded through a $118,000 grant from the Robert and Catherine Murray Charitable Trust, the Knight Family Charitable Foundation Inc. and the Care Plus Foundation Inc.

The Paramus Police Department has partnered with Care Plus to offer a Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program. Officials are optimistic the HART program will receive a good response.

Send local news tips, photos, and press releases to daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Image via Shutterstock