Montville Township Stigma Free

09/02/2020

From the desk of Chief Andrew Caggiano

Today, August 31, 2020, is International Overdose Awareness Day, which aims to raise awareness of drug overdoses and to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths.

I was honored to have opportunity to attend a tree planting ceremony in Morris Plains today in remembrance of those residents of Morris County, that have been taken by the drug epidemic and for those who continue to fight for recovery.

Among the speakers at this ceremony was Rebecca Finnerty, a Montville Township resident, who lost her son, Justin to the drug epidemic. She was incredibly strong and she continues to help other families who have lost loved ones.

We need to come together in this fight. If you know someone struggling with addiction or mental health, know that there is help out there, such as, Hope One, CARES 973-625-1143 24/7 Support Line and Mental Health Association: 973-334-3496.

07/24/2020

https://morriscountynj.gov/2020/07/freeholders-and-mental-health-association-announce-team-up-su***de-prevention-partnership/

The Morris County Freeholders issued a press release announcing that the Morris County Department of Human Services and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris are forming a "Team Up" su***de prevention partnership.

Su***de prevention during this high-stress COVID-19 crisis will be the focus of a new Team Up partnership. The joint effort, which is being funded by Morris County government, will deal with increased mental health issues caused by a host of factors, from loss of jobs and businesses, to isolation and fear of an uncertain future. It will employ social services, mental health, and education professionals to reach out to Morris County residents in need of help.

The Freeholder Board last night approved a $26,160 expenditure to fund a 22-week Team Up program, running from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, that will offer in-person and virtual help for residents, and online training for educators and professionals to deal with mental health issues during this crisis.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, stay-at-home orders, self-quarantines, and social distancing have been employed. While these practices are helpful in dealing with the virus, this isolation from family, friends, and community have induced anxiety, depression, fear, and loneliness – all factors that can lead to su***de, according to mental health experts.

The new five-month Morris County and MHAEM program will focus on both adult and youth populations.

Adult population
Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris (MHAEM) professionals will ride along with Morris County’s Navigating Hope mobile social services van one day each week throughout the county. While on Navigating Hope they will educate residents on signs of su***de, assist persons in immediate crisis, and refer residents to available mental health services. The MHAEM also will address the adult population by providing virtual 90-minute presentations on su***de prevention to Morris County residents. They also plan to reach consumers through social media and various programs the agency offers, while the county will help publicize the dates of MHAEM presentations and disseminate information to towns and agencies across Morris County.

Youth Population
The Mental Health Association will work with school districts across Morris County to educate faculty, staff, and students on the signs of su***de. All school districts will be invited to participate in an overview of the components of the Signs of Su***de (SOS) program.

MHAEM will offer training — in-person or virtual –on the implementation of the SOS program in schools.

More information on COVID-19 and mental health:

Morris County Stigma-Free: https://morriscountystigmafree.org/covid19/

Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris:

https://www.mhaessexmorris.org/covid-19/

NewBridge Services:

https://newbridge.org/

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Focus on Morris County Adults and Youths Affected by Pandemic Su***de prevention during this high-stress COVID-19 crisis will be the focus of a new Team Up partnership between the Morris County Depart

04/09/2020

Don't Go It Alone! The stress of dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, whether it be medical, economic, or familial, is taking a toll on the mental health of many Morris County residents. Mental heal

03/25/2020

https://www.aa-intergroup.org/directory.php

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/text-results.php?country=Web&state&city&zip&street&within=5&day=0&lang&orderby=distance

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01/16/2020

09/17/2019

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. In honor of this, the Montville Stigma-Free Taskforce is partnering with Atlantic Health at Chilton to sponsor a free movie event featuring “Su***de: The Ripple Effect”, in which Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge, chronicles the impact of his su***de attempt on others and his work as a mental health advocate since that time.

The movie will be presented at the Montville Senior House on Sunday, September 22, 2019, from 6-8pm. After the movie, there will be a Q/A session with mental health professionals from Atlantic Health. We hope to see you there!