New Jersey's newest addiction recovery clinic is up and running in the city of Trenton, and officials say there is a deep need for it.

Lisa Thibault, of the Diocese of Trenton, says the big news here is that this addiction recovery clinic is all about collaboration.

Opioid abuse deaths increased in New Jersey by 28 percent from 2016 to 2017. Thibault says they are finding, statewide, that less than half of the state's population who are demanding treatment are finding treatment options. She says in Trenton, it is likely much higher.

This new outpatient clinic in New Jersey's capitol will integrate medical, behavioral and psychological services to low-income adults who are battling addiction. The effort partners with the Henry J. Austin Health Center, among others.

"There are seven other states in the country that are pioneering the same demonstration grants to offer the same integrated behavioral and medical care."

Thibault says it is hoped that this coming together of the forces fighting addiction at the local, state and federal level in Trenton will be used as a model elsewhere.

"Like the bridge says, 'Trenton makes, the world takes.' I hope other people take us up on this project."

Joe Cutter is the afternoon news anchor on New Jersey 101.5

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