Christie Debuts TV Ad Promoting Addiction Treatment Helpline

A television advertising campaign launches Friday featuring Gov. Chris Christie drawing attention to new addiction treatment services helplines created by the state.

Christie announced the telephone hotline, 1-844-REACH-NJ, and website, www.reachnj.gov, in his State of the State address last week. They are intended to provide a single place where people can learn about addiction resources available in New Jersey.

"New Jerseyans with drug addiction deserve a second chance. New Jersey is making it easier to find treatment," Christie says in the ad, filmed in his Statehouse office.

"One number. One website. A clear path to help," Christie says.

Promotional materials further publicizing the helpline and website will be distributed in coming weeks at Motor Vehicle Commission facilities, federally qualified health centers, along the New Jersey Turnpike and its service areas, NJ Transit, after-school programs, addiction treatment and prevention sites, mental health providers, short-term care facilities, county welfare agencies, child support agencies and parole offices.

Christie spokesman Brian Murray said the ads will air on New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia television stations, primarily on cable.

The ads will be paid for through an existing contract and existing funds, he said. Murray didn't immediately have available information about how much will be spent on the ad campaign.

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