'Still too many': Retiring leader of Sussex agency continues work to reduce drug overdoses

Over more than two decades, Becky Carlson formed deep bonds with the people she helped to overcome drug addictions at the Newton-based Center for Prevention & Counseling. The strength of those ties was evident last month, when Carlson announced her retirement as executive director of the Center, a leading provider of substance-abuse treatment and education in northwest New Jersey. Messages of gratitude poured in, the most meaningful from the family of those who came under her care.

"That's what stands out to me," she said during an interview last week. "I've made so many connections, and I'm very proud of that."

Carlson will step down June 30 after 23 years with the center, including the past eight as its top executive. She will stay on while a search committee chooses her successor.

"It's just that point in my life where I'm ready. I never thought I'd say that, either," said Carlson, 65.

Founded in 1973, the nonprofit center offers prevention, counseling and recovery support services from trained professionals, many of whom are in long-term recovery themselves. The center's staff nearly doubled during Carlson's tenure at the helm and now includes 58 employees.

"She has successfully managed our nonprofit agency with passion and dedication to its mission," said Cecelia Clayton, the center's board president. "We are grateful for her dedication, achievements, and service to the agency and its community."

Carlson's time at the center coincided with the rise of the opioid epidemic in North Jersey and across the nation, a problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. But recent figures provide some reason for hope.

Sussex County's 25 suspected fatal overdoses through November would be the lowest yearly total since 2015. The county recorded a high of 48 deaths in 2020, after 41 the year before, but that total dropped to 32 in 2021.

Carlson referenced the slight decline in overdose deaths before quickly adding, "You know what? There's still too many."

Heroin was starting to become a significant issue in Sussex County when Carlson joined the center's staff. Today, fentanyl is the most common drug. It's difficult to find anyone in the community who hasn't been touched by substance abuse, she said, whether they know someone battling addiction or are dealing with it themselves.

In 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 108,000 Americans died from suspected overdoses − roughly a 15% increase from 93,000 the year before. Of those 2021 deaths, more than 80,000 involved opioids.

Carlson sought to address overdoses locally through a variety of initiatives.

In 2016, she co-founded the Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. (Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery) program with then-Newton Police Chief Mike Richards. It allows individuals with substance abuse issues to seek treatment from law enforcement and healthcare workers without fear of arrest or prosecution.

Carlson is also involved in the annual Changing the Face of Addiction Walk, founded in 2015 to help destigmatize opioid abuse. Every Aug. 31 on the Newton Green, the Center marks International Overdose Awareness Day by remembering neighbors who have lost their lives to addiction.

Richards, the former police chief who now sits on the center's board of directors, called Carlson a "compassionate leader" whose efforts building and maintaining relationships throughout the county have been critical.

"Our communities have benefitted from her dedicated work, and her genuine friendship has enriched us," he said.

Carlson felt the timing for retirement was finally right to step aside. She helped guide the agency through the struggles of COVID-19 − she said she never considered retiring in the middle of the pandemic − and is confident that it is "in a very healthy place" as she prepares for her departure.

For now at least, her retirement plans are simple. She will be babysitting her 2-month-old grandson and, in general, relaxing. It will be a stark difference from her present role, in which she often logs more than 60 hours a week.

Still, Carlson said she loves her job too much to stay away completely. She plans to volunteer at center events often −"but now I'll get to go home after," she added with a laugh.

"Addiction is still a big concern," Carlson said. "We still have a lot of work to do, but I feel that for our agency, we're in a good position to keep moving forward."

Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties. Email: kmorel@njherald.com; Twitter: @KMorelNJH

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Sussex Center for Prevention director Becky Carlson to retire