COVID Update

Our commitment to our mission and to those who seek our help remains strong and steadfast. Across the state we have seen an increase of overdoses and suicide. We continue to fully operate all functions while taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our clients and staff members.

Since March 2020, Turning Point has developed a multi-pronged systematic approach to managing COVID-19 that incorporates the current CDC and NJ Department of Health guidelines in order to reduce exposure to and transmission of COVID-19:

• The facility has designated dedicated locations for the purposes of screening and isolation (for patients possibly exposed to COVID-19). These measures were put in place to screen out patients who present for admission with symptomatology consistent with COVID-19 and admit patients who are asymptomatic yet require further screening to determine possible infectivity.
• Newly admitted patients who pass our comprehensive screening process (vital signs, screening questions, point-of-care COVID-19 antibody screening) are placed within our isolation area and monitored daily for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. These patients are cohorted for programming and tested with an antigen diagnostic swab on day 5
• If the result of the diagnostic test is positive, those patients are discharged and referred to either their Primary Care Physician or St. Joseph Medical Center; if the result of the diagnostic test is negative then patients are cleared for general participation and instructed to follow mandated COVID-19 preventative measures.
• Management for COVID-19 within this context is based upon risk stratification, cohorting strategies, and prioritized based upon assessment

“I am confident that with the protocols and procedures Turning Point has put into place we will continue to provide a safe and structured environment for our clients”

– Lionel Anicette, M.D., Medical Director

From a financial perspective, like many non-profits times are tough. We are witnessing challenges statewide regarding treatment during such unprecedented times.

• Data shows that drug usage, overdoses and suicide have increased over the last few months.
• We are looking at innovative ways to sustain our programs and services that are desperately needed by many.
• To ensure the safety and well-being of our supporters we felt strongly it was best to cancel live events for this year, unfortunately that means loss of crucial revenue.
• We have begun to secure emergency funding to help underwrite the cost of additional staffing, PPE and equipment to safely secure and clean all locations.
• If you wish to make a direct donation to support our efforts please go to www.turningpointnj.org/donations.

We thank you for your continued dedication of the mission and those who seek our help.