The City of Paterson is investing in resources to help with the opioid crisis.

Paterson created an opioid response team in hopes that it could serve as model for other cities about a year and a half ago.

The program aims to combat Paterson's narcotics problem with a proactive approach. The response team was funded with a $600,000 grant in September 2021.

The opioid response team has now grown to about 30 police officers and EMS workers. Plus, the social workers and seven community partners. They all work five days a week, including nights when most illicit activities take place.

Director of Health and Human Services for the City of Paterson, Joel Ramirez, says the opioid response team was created to humanize the opioid epidemic.