Washington, DC – Congressman Tom MacArthur today unveiled a comprehensive addiction resources toolkit to help the families in South Jersey address the issues associated with addiction.  More Americans die every day from drug overdoses than from car accidents – an average of 129 people per day, with six out of 10 deaths related to opioids. And the majority of those who need help with addiction issues are not receiving it.

In 2014, only 11 percent of the approximately 22.7 million Americans who needed treatment for substance use received it, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Congressman MacArthur is a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic in the House and recently met with Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato, who has made combating the heroin epidemic one of his highest priorities.

The Comprehensive Addiction Resources Toolkit was created by leading experts in the field of addiction and treatment in partnership with the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic in the House.

“The heroin crisis is devastating our communities and we need to take action now,” said Congressman MacArthur.

“Many of our families have been affected by the heroin epidemic and far too many don’t know where to turn for help. Starting today a resource guide will be available on my website and my district staff in Marlton and Toms River will help direct families or individuals to additional resources available to those facing addiction. I am dedicated to working with the families and communities in South Jersey to address the epidemic of opioid addiction that is impacting so many lives. By providing this comprehensive guide to resources, we hope families will find the support they need to deal with these issues.”

Leading national and community organizations contributed to this comprehensive set of resources. They include: the Addiction Policy Forum, Community Anti-Drug Coalition, the National Council, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, Shatterproof, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Legal Action Center, National Institute of Drug Abuse, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.