Recognizing, Celebrating, and Supporting All People in All Stages of Recovery

Written by:

Patricia Fortunato, Content and Program Manager, Clinical Research and Grants, NeuroMusculoskeletal Institute (NMI); and Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Training and Content Developer, Department of Psychiatry, Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM) (fortun83@rowan.edu)

with input from

John Woodruff, Senior Director of Accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at Rowan University; and Co-Director, Center for Neurodiversity at Rowan University

Thank you to medical, clinical, and administrative colleagues at the Rowan University Wellness Center, Rowan University Academic Affairs, Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM), and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), for collaborating and helping to provide critical input and resources. It is a joy to know and work with you all.

Interested in contributing to the Rowan University DEI website/blog and/or social media? Please complete the following brief interest form and share with student groups and colleagues across all Rowan colleges and schools: go.rowan.edu/deicontent

The month of September is recognized as both Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health across the U.S. and improve the lives of people living with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD), along with their loved ones/families.

The month-long observation and celebration of Recovery Month immediately follows Overdose Awareness Week (August 28 to September 3, 2023). SAMHSA recognizes the United States' SUD treatment providers, mental health clinicians, and recovery communities who work together to make recovery possible for all people struggling with substance dependence and addictions/disorders, including opioid use, stimulant use, alcohol use, and mental health disorders.

(For educational information and supportive resources focused on mental health equity and suicide prevention, in honor of Suicide Prevention Month and year-round, please visit go.rowan.edu/bethe1to.)

Throughout Recovery Month and year-round, Rowan University recognizes and celebrates all people in all stages of recovery and through its support services available for students, faculty, and staff. The Rowan University Recovery Support Group will hold its first fall 2023 semester meeting on Monday, September 11, from 5pm to 6pm, at the Wellness Center in Winans Hall, located on the Glassboro campus. The group is open to all students, faculty, and staff from all Rowan colleges and schools including the Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM) and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), who are in all stages of recovery and/or who are supporting loved ones/family members in all stages of recovery, and will recur each Monday, same time and location. The group is supportive of people on all pathways to recovery including medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

The Rowan Recovery Support Group is facilitated by John Woodruff, Senior Director of Accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at Rowan, and Co-Director of the Center for Neurodiversity at Rowan. For more information about the group, email John Woodruff at woodruff@rowan.edu or call 267.566.8619.

Click here to download the Rowan Recovery Support Group flyer for sharing with all Rowan students, faculty, and staff across all Rowan colleges and schools.

Image Alternative Text: Depicted are a diverse circle of hands with bright-colored, brown, and beige sleeves, and bright-colored and brown accessories. The text in the center of the circle of hands reads, "Connections Support Wellness and Recovery." Below this text is the SAMHSA logo for Recovery Month 2023. The logo is bright-colored and reads, "National Recovery Month. Hope is Real. Recovery is Real." The background of the image is white. The image is via SAMHSA.

Image Alternative Text: The health communication image reads, at the top, "Substance Use Disorder and Recovery: What you should know." Below this text are definitions and summaries of substance use disorder (SUD), counseling/therapy, medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), and naloxone and overdose prevention. In the middle of the image are bright-colored images: a heart with a medical symbol, an icon depicting conversation/support, and lungs. The background of the image is beige. The image is via Rowan University/Southern New Jersey Medication for Addiction Treatment Center of Excellence (MATCOE).

Click here to download the health communication handout for sharing with all Rowan students, faculty, and staff across all Rowan colleges and schools.

Information About Substance Dependence and Substance Use Disorder

Stigma: Stigma consists of negative attitudes towards a group of people, thus creating an environment where individuals struggling with medical conditions such as substance use disorder (SUD), mental illness, etc. are unfairly isolated, feared, and disgraced. These negative attitudes are shaped by societal stereotypes and discrimination. For more educational information about stigma, click here to download the Substance Use Disorder Language Guide for sharing with Rowan students, faculty, and staff across all Rowan colleges and schools, and the general public.

• Overdose: Taking too many opioids at one time can cause a person to stop breathing.

• Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

• Withdrawal: body aches, stomach cramps, stuffy nose, sweating, pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, restlessness

• Pain: Long-term opioid use can actually cause a person to be more sensitive to pain.

For more educational information about opioids, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and is available in many derivatives of varying potency. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and is commonly used to treat severe pain and for end-of-life care. Non-pharmaceutical (illicit) fentanyl is commonly mixed with heroin or cocaine. For more educational information about fentanyl, visit the CDC website.

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): OUD is a chronic lifelong disease with serious potential outcomes including disability, relapse, overdose, and death. It is a period of opioid use leading to distress, with at least two of the following symptoms occurring within a 12-month period:

• Exceeding intended duration of opioid use

• Desire to cut down opioid use but unable

• Great deal of time involved with opioid use

• Opioid cravings

• Opioid use interfering with daily obligations

• Continued use of the substance despite problems

• Sacrificing important activities

• Continued opioid use despite hazardous situations

• Continued opioid use despite acknowledgement of issues

• Opioid tolerance

• Opioid withdrawal

For more educational information about OUD, visit the SAMHSA website.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): AUD is drinking alcohol even when it causes issues, such as conflicts with loved ones/family members, mood changes, and/or difficulties at school and/or work. People may have difficulty controlling how much or how often they drink, and/or may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop or cut down drinking. Daily drinking and binge drinking can also cause health issues. Further, drinking alcohol and using medications such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids (even when prescribed) can increase risk of overdose and accidents. For more educational information about AUD, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) website.

Substance Dependence and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counseling/Therapy: Counseling/therapy, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and contingency management, in addition to peer recovery support, can help people with SUD recover and maintain long-term recovery.

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT): MAT are Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications that can be used to safely and effectively treat OUD, and AUD. These medications are clinically effective to help manage cravings and withdrawal, leading to long-term recovery.

MAT is administered by licensed medical providers to people seeking treatment in settings such as:

• hospital emergency departments (ED)

• office-based addiction treatment (OBAT) clinics, such as the NeuroMusculoskeletal Institute (NMI) at Rowan–Virtua SOM, and Center for Healing at Cooper University Health Care

• opioid treatment programs (OTP) at federally qualified health care centers (FQHC), such as Pinnacle Treatment Centers

• inpatient recovery settings, such as Maryville Addiction Treatment Center

• community settings, such as the Camden Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

For more educational information about MAT, visit the SAMHSA website.

Naloxone and Overdose Prevention: All people who use drugs (PWUD), patients who are prescribed opioids, loved ones/families, and all community members should keep naloxone on them in case someone overdoses. Naloxone is a lifesaving FDA-approved medication designed to rapidly reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. The medication is commonly administered through the intranasal spray formula; or through an intramuscular injection, intranasal atomization utilizing a mucosal atomization device, or auto-injector similar to those used for epinephrine. It has been administered in the ED across the nation for decades, and is increasingly being utilized by first responders and caregivers, loved ones, and bystanders.

In January of 2023, New Jersey passed legislation requiring all colleges and universities in the state to create and maintain policies governing usage of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies. The legislation requires opioid overdose victims to be transported to an ED by licensed and trained medical professionals after receiving naloxone—even if the victim appears to be revived post-naloxone administration. All Rowan Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff currently carry the medication and are prepared to administer it in the event of an opioid overdose emergency, and it is now available across all Rowan campuses for other staff to be able to administer.

Through the Naloxone 365 program in New Jersey, every pharmacy in the state is able to provide a naloxone nasal spray kit to an individual age 14 or older who requests it—no prescription necessary, cost-free, and anonymously. Learn more about naloxone via the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (NJ DMHAS) health communication, and access the list of pharmacies where you can obtain the medication cost-free. Additionally, the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition (NJHRC) will mail NARCAN® (naloxone) nasal spray or intramuscular naloxone to those who cannot otherwise access it—visit the NEXT Distro website at nextdistro.org/njgate.

Providing Naloxone 365 distribution information and health communication is not a guarantee for an opioid overdose reversal; however, it does not increase liability risk, and provides a tangible option for care that otherwise may not be available in a rapid manner. Further, it may support widespread public awareness of potential hazards of opioid misuse. Increased naloxone access in communities can support de-stigmatization and expansion of harm reduction access on a large scale, including among young adults, people who are unhoused and experiencing homelessness, and people experiencing undocumentation. Increased naloxone access may also support normalization of more people requesting it from pharmacies, carrying it on themselves, and preparing themselves to save a life in any setting whether at home, in transit, at work, at school, or in the larger community. Naloxone Saves Lives.

Image Alternative Text: The health communication image reads, at the top, "Save a Life with NARCAN® Nasal Spray." Below this text depicts how a bystander should administer naloxone nasal spray to an opioid overdose victim, and the steps to save the life of the victim:

• STEP 1: Identify Overdose: Look for signs that someone has overdosed on opioids: not responsive, irregular breathing, tiny pupils

• STEP 2: Call for Help: Immediately call 911 once you identify an overdose. Find and prepare to use naloxone nasal spray while you call for emergency medical services.

• STEP 3: Prepare the Nasal Spray: It comes in a ready-to-use nasal spray, no assembly required. It's important to know where the nasal spray is kept—it should be carried by you or the victim.

• STEP 4: Administer the Nasal Spray: Lay the victim on their back, support the back of their neck, and tilt their head back; next, insert the nozzle in one nostril until your fingers press against the nose; and firmly press the plunger to release the entire dose into one nostril—do not try to dispense half the dose in one nostril.

• STEP 5: Recovery: Place the opioid overdose victim in recovery position: on their side, with one knee out front, and hands under the head. If possible, stay with them until help arrives. Re-evaluate them every three minutes—if they still aren't breathing or responding, give them another dose of naloxone nasal spray.

The image depicts two diverse people in bright-colored clothes, an opioid overdose victim and a bystander who saves the victim's life. The background of the image is white. The image is via Rowan University/Southern New Jersey Medication for Addiction Treatment Center of Excellence (MATCOE).

Click here to download the health communication handout for sharing with all Rowan students, faculty, and staff across all Rowan colleges and schools, and the general public.

Image Alternative Text: The health communication image reads, at the top, "Please know... " and depicts a rainbow. Below this text reads affirmations, in rainbow-colored sections, for people struggling with substance dependence and addictions/disorders:

"You are loved. You are a beautiful human. There is no shame in seeking support and treatment. Recovery takes time. We believe in you. A small step forward is still progress. A step backward is never failure. We will always treat you with dignity and respect."

The background of the image is beige. The image is via Rowan University/Southern New Jersey Medication for Addiction Treatment Center of Excellence (MATCOE).

Click here to download the health communication handout for sharing with all Rowan students, faculty, and staff across all Rowan colleges and schools.

Additional Support for Rowan Students

The Wellness Center provides numerous prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for undergraduate and graduate students on the Glassboro campus who are struggling with substance dependence, SUD, mental health issues, and other medical needs. The Wellness Center at Winans Hall on the Glassboro campus facilitates the following services:

*If you are in crisis, you can call Rowan Public Safety at 856.256.4911. Additionally, the Wellness Center After Hours emergency number is 856.256.4333 (follow the prompts to speak with a counselor on call); or call Public Safety at 856.256.4911.

• Rowan Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AOD) Program: Confidential, high-quality counseling/therapy and treatment for Rowan undergraduate and graduate students on the Glassboro campus who are struggling with any substance dependence, SUD, and mental health issues is available at the Wellness Center through its AOD Program. Students can make an appointment with a licensed clinical provider by calling 856.256.4333 or emailing wellnesscenter@rowan.edu. To learn more about services, visit the Rowan Wellness Center website.

• Rowan Student Health Services (SHS): This service offers cost-free illness and injury visits for Rowan undergraduate and graduate students on the Glassboro campus. Students are clinically evaluated by a physician or advanced practice nurse (APN), provided some medications and treatments, and/or are provided with medical referral for illnesses or injuries. SHS does not take the place of a primary care physician (PCP). Certain medications, and point-of-care lab tests, are offered cost-free. Reimbursement receipts can be submitted to health insurance companies. Students should call 856.256.4333 to make an in-person appointment. For non-emergency health-related questions, students can call 856.256.4333 and follow the prompts to speak with a nurse. To learn more about services, visit the Rowan SHS website.

• Rowan Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS): This service offers high-quality counseling to address a range of mental health issues, for Rowan undergraduate and graduate students on the Glassboro campus. CPS further offers its services to Rowan faculty and staff on the Glassboro campus regarding issues impacting the campus community. Confidential personal clinical counseling and other psychological services are available cost-free to all currently enrolled students. Students should call 856.256.4333 or email wellnesscenter@rowan.edu to make an in-person appointment. To schedule teletherapy, visit the Rowan CPS website.

• Rowan Emergency Medical Services (EMS): This is a student-run organization chartered under the Rowan Student Government Association (SGA), providing 24/7 emergency medical care to the Glassboro campus, Rowan–Virtua SOM campuses in Stratford and Sewell, CMSRU campus in Camden, and surrounding communities. EMS also offers students cost-free non-urgent transportation to and from off-campus medical and counseling/therapy appointments, and pharmacy access for prescriptions unavailable at the Walgreens located on the Glassboro campus, within a 15-minute radius of campus. Transports are available Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. All transport requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance. To learn more about this service, visit the Rowan EMS website.

Confidential, high-quality care for Rowan Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Rowan GSBS), Rowan–Virtua SOM, and CMSRU graduate students, medical students, and medical residents who are struggling with mental health issues is available at the Rowan–Virtua SOM Department of Psychiatry clinical site:

• Rowan–Virtua SOM Student Mental Health Center: All services are provided off-campus to protect privacy, at the Rowan–Virtua SOM Department of Psychiatry Mount Laurel clinical site or via telehealth. For maximum privacy, no students or residents are permitted to shadow or deliver services for the clinic, and to protect against role conflicts, providers do not participate in the academic evaluation of graduate students, medical students, and medical residents. Please note that this clinical site is currently only insurance-based. Rowan GSBS, Rowan–Virtua SOM, and CMSRU graduate students, medical students, and medical residents who are seeking a diagnostic evaluation and/or clinical care will need to utilize health insurance to make an appointment with a psychiatrist for medication management/therapy or with a clinical psychologist for therapy/performance coaching. Rowan GSBS, Rowan–Virtua SOM, and CMSRU graduate students, medical students, and medical residents can make an appointment with a licensed clinical provider by calling 856.482.9000. If you are a Rowan GSBS, Rowan–Virtua SOM, or CMSRU graduate student, medical student, or medical resident calling Monday to Friday after 4pm or on a weekend, and you need urgent medical assistance or are in distress, please call Rowan Public Safety at 856.256.4911 and ask for the counselor on call. For more information about services, visit the Rowan–Virtua SOM Psychiatry website.

Additional Support for Rowan Faculty and Staff

• Employee Advisory Service (EAS): The EAS is a referral agency for Rowan faculty and staff. If, in the opinion of the EAS Advisor, the employee should seek medical assistance, the Advisor will help with the arrangements. If other services seem indicated, the employee will be advised and referred. Employees may contact the EAS directly, and are encouraged to voluntarily seek information and referral. All contact with the EAS is confidential. To learn more about services, please call 866.327.9133 or visit the Rowan EAS website.

Additional Support for Rowan Students, Faculty, and Staff

• Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program: This service offers animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animal-assisted education (AAE) for all students, faculty, and staff at Rowan University, Rowan–Virtua SOM, and CMSRU. Services include group and individual therapy animal visits; partnerships with Rowan student services, including accessibility services such as the Center for Neurodiversity, and other Wellness Center departments; exam de-stress events; and transition support. To learn more about services, visit the Rowan Pet Therapy website.

Additional Support and Resources Available to the General Public

• NeuroMusculoskeletal Institute (NMI) at Rowan–Virtua SOM: The NMI is an integrated pain and SUD treatment institute that provides interdisciplinary medical care in ambulatory/outpatient, inpatient recovery, and community settings, with medical providers specializing in high-quality pain management, SUD prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services for special populations. The NMI is designated by the State of New Jersey as the Southern New Jersey Medication for Addiction Treatment Center of Excellence (MATCOE) and offers integrated services provided by physicians, advanced practitioners, mental health clinicians, peer recovery coaches, and patient navigators. The NMI has clinical practice locations in Stratford and Sewell, and accepts most types of health insurance. To learn more about services, call 856.566.7010 or visit the NMI website.

• ReachNJ, New Jersey's 24/7 Addiction Treatment Helpline: The New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJ DHS) offers a central call-line for all New Jersey residents who are seeking help with SUD. Each call to ReachNJ is answered live in the first 30 seconds. Trained helpline staff screen callers to identify exact needs, and provide referrals to SUD/addiction treatment and social determinants of health (SDOH) support services with local providers. The helpline serves New Jersey residents of all ages and regardless of health insurance status and/or ability to pay for treatment. Call 844.REACH.NJ (844.732.2465), and visit the ReachNJ website for additional resources.

• New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJSAMS) Addiction Services Treatment Directory: The NJ DHS, New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (NJ DMHAS) offers a searchable online directory of SUD treatment providers that includes MAT, withdrawal management, outpatient services, and inpatient services (njsams.rutgers.edu/TreatmentDirectory). The directory offers numerous search options to support the public in obtaining information regarding their desired treatment provider, and is searchable by provider name, level of care, and by availability for inpatient treatment service. If you are unsure what type of SUD service is needed, call 844.REACH.NJ (844.732.2465) for navigation and referral support, or visit the NJ DMHAS "Learn More About Treatment" website.

• New Jersey's Regional Recovery Centers and Community Peer Recovery Centers (CPRC): These centers offer peer recovery support, information about SUD treatment and recovery support services, and other community resources and SDOH support, in a substance-free environment. Most services are led by peers (i.e., people who have experienced SUD and recovery, directly or indirectly as a loved one/family member). Social support helps give people in recovery a place where they feel they belong and can give back to their community. In Gloucester County, the Center for Family Services (CFFS) Living Proof Recovery Center at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) is designated as a CPRC. For more information about the CFFS Living Proof Recovery Center at RCSJ, call 856.394.3386, or visit the website and Facebook page. For more CPRC locations throughout New Jersey, visit the NJ DHS website and scroll to "New Jersey's Recovery Centers."

• Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHA NJ) NJ Connect for Recovery: The MHA NJ offers a confidential, free helpline focused on supporting families coping with their family members/loved ones connect to recovery resources via a dedicated team of certified alcohol and drug counselors, family peer specialists, and public and private insurance navigation specialists. The helpline provides real-time support and information regarding SUD treatment options, follow-up calls to support ongoing needs, and referrals and access to educational programs and community-based resources. Call 855.652.3737, and visit the NJ Connect for Recovery website for additional resources.

• Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery): SMART Recovery is "a method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self-regard and willingness to change." It was created for people seeking empowerment to overcome SUD, and has become a powerful recovery community led by peers who recovered with the support of SMART and who want to help others recover. Peers, in collaboration with clinicians, work together to integrate both lived experience and science to help people with SUD build healthy lives. Mutual support meetings are available both in-person and virtually, and participants have the opportunity to create and implement their recovery plan in collaboration with peers. Specialized meetings and resources are also available for veterans, and loved ones/families. Call 440.951.5357, or visit the SMART Recovery website and meeting locator calendar.

• Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous (MARA): MARA was created for people who are in recovery and who are prescribed MAT for SUD or AUD, with the knowledge that many people who are in recovery and on MAT sometimes feel unwelcome at traditional recovery meetings that focus on abstinence approaches. Respectful of all pathways to recovery, and supportive of people on MAT, MARA empowers people to live safe lifestyles and recover with the support of peers. Mutual support meetings are available both in-person and virtually. Find meeting options on the MARA website.

• Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ): CCGNJ offers a 24/7 confidential help-line, and educational and referral resources for people with gambling problems and loved ones/families of people with gambling problems. CCGNJ neither opposes nor endorses legalized gambling. They focus on educating the public, referring people with gambling problems to treatment, and advocating for increased gambling treatment services. Call 1.800.GAMBLER, and visit the CCGNJ website for additional resources and to find a local or virtual recovery support group meeting.

• SAMHSA Treatment Locator: SAMHSA offers a confidential and anonymous website (findtreatment.gov) for people seeking mental health and SUD treatment in the United States and its territories.

• SAMHSA Behavioral Health Support Locator: SAMHSA offers Find Support, a website that assists people in navigating frequently asked questions (FAQ) at the start of their mental healing journey. Visit the website at findsupport.gov.

• SAMHSA National Helpline: SAMHSA offers 24/7 free, confidential information and referral for mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Call 1.800.662.HELP

Media Alternative Text: The media depicts a young woman of color, wearing glasses, looking at her phone. A banner image reads, "Are you struggling with your recovery or in crisis?" Below this image reads, "You are not alone. Get support today." At the bottom is an image that reads, "Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org." The last image depicts six diverse people with their hands meeting as a group in solidarity. The media is via SAMHSA.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: For mental health crisis support, for all people who are struggling and their loved ones/families, call or text "988" and visit the website at 988lifeline.org for additional resources.

• Veterans Crisis Line: For mental health and suicide prevention crisis support, for veterans who are struggling and their loved ones/families, call or text "988" and then press "1" to reach responders from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—many of whom are veterans themselves—or visit the website at veteranscrisisline.net

• NJ Vet2Vet Peer Support Line: The NJ Vet2Vet Peer Support Line provides 24/7 support to New Jersey National Guard members, active military personnel, veterans, and families/caregivers of active military personnel and veterans. Trained prior military team members provide peer support and case management and connect callers to clinical providers where needed. Call 866.838.7654 for 24/7 support, or utilize the online chat function for live chat Mondays to Thursdays, 8am to 8pm, or Fridays from 8am to 4:30pm. You can also email the team for a reply within 24 hours. Visit the NJ Vet2Vet Peer Support Line website for additional resources.

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine: If you are pregnant or postnatal and struggling with non-emergency mental health issues, call 1.800.944.4773 or text "HELP" to 1.800.944.4773. HelpLine hours are Sunday to Saturday, 8am to 11pm. Visit the PSI website for additional resources.

• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: This 24/7 hotline provides free, confidential support for mental health before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 833.TLC.MAMA (833.852.6262). TTY callers can use a preferred relay service, or dial 711 and then 833.852.6262. Visit the HRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) website for additional resources.

Events Open to All Rowan Students, Faculty, and Staff

Rowan University Substance-Free Tailgate Celebration: On Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 5pm to 6pm at the stadium entrance near the home bleachers at the Rowan University Richard Wackar Stadium (Carpenter Street in Glassboro), the Rowan Wellness Center, Academic Support Programs, and Dean of Students under the collaboration of the SOAR initiative will host a substance-free tailgate celebration.

The Substance-Free Tailgate Celebration is cost-free and open to all Rowan students, faculty, and staff across all Rowan colleges and schools, including Rowan–Virtua SOM and CMSRU. All Rowan student participants have free admission to the football game, and Rowan faculty and staff can pick up athletic passes for free admission to the game from the Rowan Athletic Department in Esby Gymnasium (300 North Campus Drive in Glassboro). This event will have games, giveaways, and more. For more information about the event, email Drew Davenport, Academic Support Coordinator at Rowan, at davenportdr@rowan.edu or call 856.256.4261.

Naloxone Administration Trainings at Rowan University: Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray (commonly known as NARCAN® Nasal Spray) is now available cost-free for all Rowan students, faculty, and staff across all Rowan colleges and schools, including Rowan–Virtua SOM and CMSRU. If you would like to receive a NARCAN® Nasal Spray kit from Rowan, please attend a brief 30-minute training session on how to use the medication and the importance of calling 911 before or after administration.

The next in-person training will take place on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 11am in the Rowan Wellness Center in Winans Hall, located on the Glassboro campus. For more information about the training and to register, visit the Rowan Campus Labs website. The next synchronous virtual training will take place on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 5pm via Zoom. Participants must register ahead of time in order to receive the information and Zoom details for the training. For more information and to register, visit the Rowan Campus Labs website.

For questions about the trainings, email Allie Pearce, Assistant Director of Health Innovation and Quality Assurance at the Rowan Wellness Center in Glassboro, at pearce@rowan.edu; or Scott Woodside, MSN, MBA, RN, Director of the Rowan Wellness Center in Glassboro, at woodsides@rowan.edu.

Events Open to the General Public

Camden County Remembrance and Hope Memorial Vigil: On Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 7:30pm (rain or shine) at Timber Creek Park (236 Taylor Avenue and Chews Landing Road in Blackwood, New Jersey), the Camden County Board of Commissioners and Addictions Awareness Task Force (CCAATF) will host the annual Remembrance and Hope Memorial Vigil for all loved ones/family members of victims of overdose, and to spread the message of hope to those still fighting the disease of SUD. The event will include messages of hope and live music. It is free and open to the public.

Camden County Addictions Awareness Task Force Recovery Softball Tournament: On Friday, September 22, 2023 at Valleybrook Fields (200 Golfview Drive in Blackwood, New Jersey), the CCAATF will host the annual Recovery Softball Tournament with a goal of raising awareness to support people struggling with opioid dependence and OUD. Teams will include people in recovery, community leaders, local law enforcement professionals, and the CCAATF. If you would like to play, or volunteer to support the event, email Patty DiRenzo at patty.direnzo@camdencounty.com

Maryville Addiction Treatment Center Race for Recovery 5K and Fun Walk: On Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Cooper River Park (5300 North Park Drive in Pennsauken, New Jersey), Maryville Addiction Treatment Center will host its 15th Annual Race for Recovery 5K Run and Fun Walk for all communities—all individuals in recovery, loved ones/families, and all individuals supportive of those in recovery. Pre-registration for the race or walk is required, with tickets priced at $20, and free entry for children age 10 years and younger. All proceeds from the event will fund the Peter P. Black IV Scholarship at Maryville, which supports people who are unable to afford treatment. Participants will receive moisture-wicking race shirts, refreshments, access to a photo booth for printable memories, a yoga session, and activities for children age 12 years and younger.