HUMAN SERVICES NEWSLETTER 4/8/2021
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Historically, April has been recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month. After a year of experiencing a global pandemic in which many have faced social isolation -- a risk factor in the excess consumption of alcohol -- prevention efforts are crucial to our Mercer County residents. Prevention programs target different populations at risk for substance use disorder (SUD). They typically focus on helping individuals develop knowledge and skills or, on changing environmental and community factors.
The Mercer County Office on Addiction Services supports prevention activities through contracted funds with Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction. One of its programs, Empowering (You)th, is a weekly youth management and empowerment program that covers all things related to youth. It is an open dialogue on aspects of youth development such as peer pressure, substance use, trauma-informed concerns, how to help youth feel safe and seen, and how to foster their best decision-making abilities. This virtual program is offered every Thursday from 12 to 1 p.m.
This week’s topic is “It’s More Than Just Drunk Driving: Alcohol and Its Cost on Youth.” Register now!
If you have any questions about this program or others at the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, contact Ruth DelPino at rdelpino@mercercouncil.org.
The current CDC eviction moratorium, which was set to expire on March 31, has been extended until June 30, 2021. There are no other changes to the moratorium except for the date extension. View the update.
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As part of the Stigma Free Mercer campaign, we will post monthly newsletters and articles on the County of Mercer’s website and host events throughout the county. These newsletters, articles, and events will provide information on mental illness and addiction and stigma associated with them, and will act as a way for county residents to connect and discuss their mental health and addiction illnesses and/or concerns. Please take a moment to view our March/April 2021 Stigma Free Newsletter!
One person can change the way the world sees mental health.
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LOCAL RESOURCES
- The Opioid Overdose Recovery Program (OORP) is a program that utilizes Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, who are themselves in long-term recovery from substance related challenges, to respond to individuals in local hospitals/emergency departments and in the community who are interested in receiving support with their opioid related challenges. Our Recovery Specialists and Patient Navigator work together to help interested individuals get connected with various services, both clinical and non-clinical (including various treatment options, medication assisted treatment options, recovery support services and ancillary services). Recovery Specialists are dispatched immediately to meet face to face with individuals interested in recovery support services through the OORP program, wherever they are, whether it be in the hospital, emergency department or out in the community. To engage OORP services and be assigned a Recovery Specialist, contact our Patient Navigator Brian Bittings at 609-651-1623. These services are available 24/7/365!
- New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJDCF) hosted a webinar March 16, connecting youth and families to mental health and intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities services in New Jersey. Click here to view the archived recording of the webinar, as how to access all the services is discussed.
UPCOMING EVENTS, SERIES, MEETINGS & SESSIONS
Family Support Center has launched a new support group for siblings of those who have substance disorders - beginning March 3, there are virtual meetings every Wednesday at 5 p.m. Click here to join meeting. 100% confidential, free support. Any questions or concerns, you can reach out to Kacey Lee McKown at klmckown@njprevent.com
Please join us for our weekly 'All Recovery' Meeting hosted by Mercer Council. This meeting is open to all in Recovery, those exploring Recovery, Allies to the recovery community, and those impacted by or working in the field of substance use/recovery. This non-denominational and non-12-step meeting is a great opportunity to connect with others interested in and passionate about recovery. Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Meeting ID: 773 904 177 (No Password Required). For more information, please contact Jocelyn Cooper at (609) 396-5874, ex 204 or email at jcooper@mercercouncil.org
The Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, in conjunction with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, along with the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse invite you to participate in the 5th Annual Heroin and Opioid Art Exhibition highlighting heroin and opioid abuse, addiction and recovery. For more information please visit DrugFreeNJ.org/HeroinArtExhibit
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Hosted by Prevention Educator, Ruth DelPino, join the Mercer Council for a weekly youth management and empowerment program that covers all things related to youth! It is an open dialogue on various aspects of youth development such as: peer pressure - from media and substance use, trauma - informed concerns, how to help youth feel safe and seen and foster their best decision-making abilities. If there are any questions or concerns, please reach out to: rdelpino@mercercouncil.org
They meet every Thursday from 12-1 p.m. All questions and concerns welcome! Register here or use QR code:
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National Alliance to End Homelessness launches several new courses on their online Center for Learning Platform. Courses are either live or self paced, and providers may be eligible to receive CEUs upon completion of select courses.
As the nation’s leader in delivering timely, relevant, and evidence-based solutions to homelessness, the Alliance is here to assist building capacity for homeless systems and programs to improve the outcomes of people experiencing homelessness in your community. The Center for Learning is available 24/7/365 and designed to support the need for up-to-date and meaningful knowledge and best practices.
Learn more and view all courses currently available!
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Spring has sprung and there’s no time like the present to take advantage of our expanded education programming. Just as you might spring clean to enhance and rejuvenate your home, we encourage you to do the same for your knowledge and brain health.
View our April offerings below which are offered at a variety of times during the day and evening. All programs are virtual, so you can participate from the safety and comfort of your home. Register today to join!
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APRIL PROGRAMS
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COVID-19 and Caregiving
Tuesday, April 6 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Wednesday, April 7 | 7 to 8 p.m. Register
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Tuesday, April 13 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Thursday, April 22 | 1 to 2 p.m. Register
Alzheimer’s Community Forum Hosted by Rutgers School of Nursing
Friday, April 23 | 12 to 1:30 p.m. Register
Registration is required for all programs. Click a “register” link, visit alz.org/crf or call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to ensure your spot today. Then, share with a friend. For information about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, visit alz.org/nj.
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You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to receive Dept. of Human Services Newsletters. Reminder that if you want to view the current list of Request For Proposals and Bid Opportunities for Mercer County, click here!
To view the current list of available jobs with Mercer County, as well as various other career resources, please visit the Job Opportunities tab on the Mercer County Website.
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The Mercer County Department of Human Services fosters a comprehensive human service delivery system that enhances the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents of Mercer County. The department's goal is to create an environment of public trust by empowering and strengthening individuals and families, advocating for sound policy, mobilizing resources, and acting as champions for those citizens who are most vulnerable and in need of services.
Through its offices and divisions, the Department of Human Services provides funding to community-based organizations for those organizations to provide direct services to Mercer County residents. The department does not provide direct services to Mercer County residents, but directs Mercer County residents to where they can access services. With this funding, the Department of Human Services complies with procurement practices in accordance with the New Jersey Public Contracts Law 40:A:11-1 et seq.
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