Evaluation of an Innovative Medical-Legal Partnership in Camden, NJ - Implications for Practice and Research

Oct 15, 2026

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Medical–Legal Partnerships (MLPs) embed legal services in healthcare to respond to overlapping legal, social, and health challenges. This study evaluates a Camden, NJ MLP coordinated between the Camden Coalition and the Cooper Center for Healing. Using mixed methods, researchers collected interviews with 39 participants and 13 staff, plus a survey of 70 participants. Results examine legal needs, service delivery, and recovery-related outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages24

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Abstract

Introduction

Medical-Legal Partnerships

Evaluation of an Innovative Medical-Legal Partnership in Camden, NJ: Implications for Practice and Research Devon Ziminiski, 1,2 Madeliene Alger, 1 Shibin Yan, 1 and Ryan Pletcher1 1 Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University Camden, 2 New Jersey Gun Violence Center, Rutger University School of Public Health Cite as: Ziminiski, D., Alger, M., Yan, S., Pletcher, R. (2025) . Evaluation of an Innovative Medical-Legal Partnership in Camden, NJ: Implications for Practice and Research. Metropolitan Universities, 36(1), 215-238. DOI: 10. 18060/28664 This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. Guest Editor: Laurie Van Egeren, Ph. D. Associate Guest Editors: Andrew Carlson, Ph. D., Paula O’Loughlin, Ph. D., and Deidra Peaslee, Ed. D. Editor: Patrick M. Green, Ed. D. Abstract The challenge: Medical–Legal Partnerships (MLPs) incorporate legal services into healthcare settings to address the intertwined legal, social, and health challenges faced by patients. Research has shown that MLPs effectively address unmet legal needs and reduce health disparities (Klein et al., 2013) . This study evaluated a Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) coordinated between the Camden Coalition and the Cooper Center for Healing in Camden, NJ. Potential consequences: Addressing the legal needs of individuals with SUDs through MLPs can mitigate barriers to recovery, improve health outcomes, and enhance quality of life. Description/ analysis/methods: Researchers used a mixed-methods design to evaluate the Camden Coalition MLP. Data were collected through interviews with 39 MLP participants and 13 staff members and a survey of 70 MLP participants. Analyses explored legal needs, service delivery, and participant outcomes. Rationale/reflection/replication: The findings highlighted the MLP's comprehensive approach, which included direct legal representation in both criminal and civil matters, the co-location of services, and interdisciplinary collaboration among providing partners. Participants reported high satisfaction, positive recovery-related outcomes, and confidence in addressing future legal issues. This model offers a replicable framework for integrating legal and medical care to address social determinants of health and foster recovery. Key lessons include the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and sustained funding mechanisms. Keywords: evaluation, medical-legal partnership, campus-community partnerships, determinants of health, collaborative research Introduction New Jersey, like many states across the country, has struggled with the opioid epidemic. Camden County is among the hardest-hit counties across the state, ranking second out of New Jersey’s 21 counties in fatalities from 2015 to 2021 (NJ CARES, 2023) . Overdose fatalities in Camden County, New Jersey, increased by 121.25% from 2013 to 2022 (NJ CARES, 2023) . Camden County also saw the second-highest number of drug deaths and the second-highest number of drug-related distribution and possession arrests during that time period (Rotuno-Johnson, 2022) . With 7,390 treatment admissions (2,301 for alcohol and 5,089 for drugs), Camden County had the third-highest substance use treatment admissions in the state in 2022. Camden County borders the Delaware River in New Jersey and is home to half a million people (523, 485) . The median household income is $83,763 ($99,781 in New Jersey), and the poverty rate is 12.5%(9.7% in New Jersey) (U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2023) . The median age is 39 (40 in New Jersey), and Camden County residents are majority White. Camden City is the county’s largest city with 71,791 residents. The median household income is $35,129, and the poverty rate is 26.8%(U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2023) . The median age is 38.3, and residents are predominantly people of color (Black and Hispanic) . In Camden City, there were 2,081 admission

FAQs

What problem do Medical–Legal Partnerships (MLPs) target in healthcare settings?

MLPs integrate legal services into healthcare to address intertwined legal, social, and health challenges faced by patients.

How was the Camden, NJ MLP evaluation conducted?

The study used a mixed-methods design, including interviews with 39 MLP participants and 13 staff members, and a survey of 70 MLP participants.

What kinds of legal approaches did the Camden model include?

The partnership provided a comprehensive approach, including direct legal representation in both criminal and civil matters, alongside co-located and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Riley