HUMAN SERVICES NEWS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and discuss this urgent public health issue. It is also a time to remember the lives lost to suicide; acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts; and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities who have been impacted by suicide. Along with other local and worldwide organizations, the Mercer County Division of Mental Health uses this time to spread hope and vital information to those affected by suicide and suicidal ideation.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, and/or background. They may be common, but are not normal and often indicate more serious issues. 

The Division of Mental Health is sharing resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to help you recognize suicide warning signs for youth and adults.

The Division of Mental Health is also offering a training to help you recognize warning signs and ways you can help. The next training is September 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. To attend, you must register by contacting Janka Maya at jmaya@mercercounty.org. 

Click here to register.

If you are living with suicidal thoughts or think or believe someone you know is, help is always available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24 hours a day by dialing 9-8-8 or at its website, https://988lifeline.org. For those in imminent danger of harming themselves, Capital Health's Emergency Mental Health Services Center can be reached 24 hours a day by calling 609-396-HELP (4357) or visiting Capital Health Regional Medical Center at 750 Brunswick Avenue in Trenton. 

The Mercer County Division of Mental Health also can assist residents living with behavioral health issues to find help at local agencies. For more information, please call 609-989-6574 or email Michele Madiou, Mental Health Administrator, at mmadiou@mercercounty.org. 

Please remember that you are never alone and help is always available. 

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

National Recovery Month is an observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices for mental health and/or substance abuse issues, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

The Mercer County Division of Mental Health and the Office on Addiction Services work daily to inform residents that recovery is real and is possible with the right treatment, resources, and support. We are taking time this month to share hopeful messages from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that most people who get help are able to recover. 

Recovery Month is a great time to focus on your health and wellness. SAMHSA recommends that you prioritize your needs for recovery: create healthy boundaries, ask for help, take breaks, and express gratitude. To learn more, please visit samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope.

During recovery, surround yourself with people who accept you and help you feel safe and thrive. Learn about recovery supports at samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery.

If you need help with recovery, please contact the Mercer County Division of Mental Health at 609-989-6574 or the Office on Addiction Services at 609-989-6897.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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,

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.