Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Apr. 24 the launch of a redesigned website for the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES). The updated site aims to make it easier for residents to access information about addiction in their communities and find resources for individuals and families affected by substance misuse.
The new platform is intended to help address New Jersey’s ongoing addiction crisis by providing clear, accessible data and support tools. Attorney General Davenport said, “Launching the redesigned NJ CARES website reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are – with clear, accessible information and real support for families and communities navigating the challenges of substance misuse. This platform makes it easier for residents to understand how the addiction crisis is affecting their communities and, more importantly, how to find help when they need it.”
The site now features interactive dashboards with state- and county-level data as well as links to treatment options, recovery resources, educational videos, graphics, and lists of locations where unused or expired medications can be safely disposed throughout the year. The launch comes just before National Drug Take Back Day—a biannual event that encourages safe disposal of prescription drugs—to help prevent misuse that could lead to addiction or overdose.
Tiffany Wilson, Director of the Office of Alternative and Community Responses, said: “Together, through education, awareness, and community partnership, we can save lives and strengthen the health and safety of New Jersey families. The redesigned NJ CARES website is a step forward toward that goal. As we mark National Drug Take Back Day, it’s important to remember that prevention can begin at home. Safely disposing of unused or expired medications is a simple but critical step in reducing the risk of misuse and addiction.”
NJ CARES was established in 2018 as part of efforts by the Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS) to coordinate programs aimed at fighting addiction statewide. Among its initiatives is Operation Helping Hand (OHH), which connects law enforcement officers with peer recovery coaches who reach out directly to those impacted by substance use disorder.
According to the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin holds statewide authority over law enforcement oversight while offering services such as legal representation for state agencies; crime lab support; victim advocacy; consumer protection initiatives; regulation; prosecution; public safety management across all counties in New Jersey.
As stated on its official site, these roles allow Matthew Platkin’s office not only influence public safety through enforcing laws but also deliver legal standards supporting justice throughout every municipality in New Jersey.
