Hope One: Morris County program provides support for people with addiction

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. (PIX11) — Morris County is taking a simple approach to tackle the complex problem of opioid abuse, using street outreach to connect with people in need.

Since its inception in 2017, the Hope One mobile access recovery vehicle has connected with more than 50,000 people, placing more than 1,500 people into programs.

The Hope One van serves as a judgement-free safe space and one-stop shop for help overcoming addiction and mental health issues.

“They might not know where to turn or where to start,” said Al Shurdom, a certified peer recovery specialist for Hope One. “We can sit down and literally draw a blueprint for that individual on how to go forward, based on whatever services they require. And, we can also make those connections right from here.”

The Hope One van travels across Morris County, stopping in various locations. On a rainy Thursday, the van sat parked next to a food pantry in Morristown. Hope One distributed snacks and pamphlets and provided free samples of Narcan, as well as fentanyl and xylazine test strips.

“We just have a cup of coffee – a conversation,” said Cpl. Erica Valvano of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. “We just give them a blessing bag and we say we’re here when you’re ready.”

“We’re out on the streets almost every single day, trying to help those who essentially can’t get up and get those services themselves,” said Jon-Erik Randazzo, a Hope One certified peer recovery specialist.

Hope One is the brainchild of Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon, who said he made it a day-one mission to address opioid abuse after learning it was a top concern among residents.

“We need to identify the at-risk population and then we need to bring services to them,” said Gannon. “Too many times, we’re dragging people to brick-and-mortar operations when they’re not ready.”

The program has since expanded to nine New Jersey counties and has been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

“Our fatal overdoses since the inception of the program are down 20-plus percent,” said Gannon. “If you identify the at-risk population – the homeless community, people without support – and we bring services to them, that’s the magic of Hope One.”

For more information about Hope One and a schedule of its upcoming locations, click here .

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