As I was sitting down to write the column on overdose awareness this month, it occurred to me that I have colleague who speaks much more authoritatively and eloquently on the subject than I can, and it so happens that the resident’s of Somerset County are lucky enough to employ her in such a capacity. She’s brilliant and passionate about helping others and an all around great human being.  This month, It’s my pleasure to share some thoughts for our Director of Addiction Services, Lisa Federico.

Overdose Awareness Day August 31^st

Each year, on August 31st, the Somerset County community comes together to remember lives lost to drug overdose and those still fighting their battle. This is a time to honor memories, to progress forward in action, to advocate, to reduce stigma, and to be a source of support for families and loved ones.

August 31st marks a nationwide day of remembrance aimed at raising awareness about overdose and its profound impact on communities. On this day, and every day, we highlight the importance of harm reduction efforts, naloxone availability, whole-health approaches to care, and the need for a more comprehensive support system across the continuum of care.

According to the CDC, drug overdose is a leading cause of injury mortality in the United States. There were 107,941 drug-involved overdose deaths reported in the U.S. in 2022 (NIDA). In 2021, 56 Somerset County residents lost their life to overdose (NJCARES); in 2020 that number was 58.

This month we remember those lives lost but we also share stories of resiliency, hope, and strength. This is a call to action to support education, promote harm reduction as a public health approach, support local initiatives, advocate for policy changes, and offer compassion to those still struggling.

How to get involved? There will be various events happening throughout Somerset County, open to the public and attendance encouraged. We also encourage residents to plant purple flags on their front lawns or put purple lights visible outside their homes. Free naloxone is available at 27 Warren Street, 3rd Floor, Somerville, NJ.

Somerset Operation Helping Hands, led by the Prosecutor’s Office, (in conjunction with Hunterdon, Union, and Warren Counties) will be hosting the 4th Annual Overdose Awareness Event at Somerset County Patriots Stadium: Saturday, August 31, 2024

Not an Easy Fix’s Night of Community, Somerville Court House Lawn, Sunday August 18th, 2024

Central Jersey Family Health Consortium: Overdose Awareness Event: August 28th at 7 pm at the Franklin Municipal Complex

Community in Crisis: Remembrance Ceremony, Bernardsville, August 31 at 8pm.

Lisa Federico

Addiction Services Director

Somerset County Department of Human Services

The 4-H Fair Is Back!

The Somerset County 4-H Fair returns to North Branch Park in Bridgewater on August 7,8, and 9, 2024! 

Since 1947, the Somerset County 4-H Fair has been the annual cornerstone for youth to showcase their projects, community service, teamwork, and 4-H spirit with the community.

See farm animals such as alpacas, cows, goats, and sheep, enjoy a performance of the play Tangled, watch a dog training competition, view large model train displays, cheer on go-kart trials, sample delicious Fair food, and so much more!

Come visit our other RCE departments at the Fair as well!

The ANR Department and Rutgers Master Gardeners will be in the Board of Agriculture tent, featuring the theme 'Fireflies - Nature's Own Fairies'. The tent will feature informational displays and hands-on activities related to native plants, fireflies, and butterflies. There will be a children's area with activities throughout the day such as an insect puppet show, butterfly releases, and an evening magic show. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer all your questions at a helpline desk inside the tent.

The FCHS Department will be located in the Somerset County tent, where you can spin the trivia wheel, vote for your favorite Jersey Fresh fruit, and take some fun selfies at our station.

The Somerset County 4-H Fair will run from 10am to 10pm each day, and as always, the Fair is FREE! For more information, visit https://4histops.org/fair.

Not An Easy Fix Night of Community

Safe Night 2024: Beach Bash!

On Saturday, June 29th, the Somerset County Youth Council hosted their annual Safe Night Event at the Ted Blum 4-H Center in Bridgewater.

Safe Night is a national substance use and violence prevention program for youth that promotes having fun without the use of drugs, alcohol, or violence. 

Youth Council members and friends participated in relay races, volleyball, basketball, tie-dyeing, potted plant painting, and more! 

A BIG thank you to our partners at Middle Earth, Safe + Sound, Tri-County CMO, and the Ted Blum 4-H Center for helping us have fun and stay safe!

The Impact of Colon Cancer on Men's Mental Health

Submitted by Lilianett Madera, RN, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. An individual that has been diagnosed with colon cancer may suffer from significant psychological stress when enduring the process from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Men especially, who often face unique challenges in dealing with mental health issues.

The psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis starts with the initial diagnosis. Men may be overwhelmed with feelings of shock, disbelief and denial. This emotional roller coaster can lead to difficulty in making decisions about treatment options and processing information. An individual can also experience significant anxiety when thinking about the uncertainty of the future and potential side effects of treatment.  Men may worry about their ability to work to maintain their family, the impact the diagnosis will have on family members and their overall quality of life. Depression is also a common emotional response to a cancer diagnosis. Men may struggle with expressing these emotions due to societal expectations of stoicism and resilience. Addressing Mental Health in Men with Colon Cancer includes open communication where men are encouraged to speak about their feelings and experiences. Family, friends and health care providers’ involvement is crucial in making the diagnosed individual feel supported.

During and post treatment professional support such as psychological counseling and support groups may be needed to provide a safe space for men to express themselves to others who would understand what they are and have gone through. There are many avenues that a man can explore to help navigate their mental health as well. This includes activities such as meditation, yoga and mindfulness to help manage stress and improve mental well-being. Regular physical activities have been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Medication in some cases such as anti-anxiety/ anti-depressants may be necessary to manage server symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The journey through colon cancer is not just a physical battle but a psychological one as well. Men may face unique challenges due to societal expectations and personal reluctance to seek help. Recognizing and addressing the mental health impacts of colon cancer is essential for holistic care and recovery. Providing comprehensive support that includes psychological care can significantly improve the quality of life for men affected by this disease.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance use or gambling challenges, please call our ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165. If this is a psychiatric emergency call Bridgeway PESS at 908-526-4100

OR

CALL the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

BRAND NEW FREE WEBINAR

Disaster Planning & Resources Webinar

August 15, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm

No one can anticipate when a disaster happens which is why CJHRC, United Way of Northern New Jersey and many other organizations want residents to be prepared.  Please register now for this webinar which will provide important information and resources so that you and your family are ready for a natural disaster. Program speakers will be: Sharon Clark, CJHRC’s Executive Director along with Lisa Galonardo from United Way of Northern New Jersey.  Lisa is also the Coordinator for the Somerset County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD).   Do not miss this beneficial webinar!!!!

To register, click this link: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/a6f8272f/ee2b3GyHfki8GOjpYmoH-Q?u=https://www.cjhrc.org/images/FLYER_Disaster_Planning_and_Resources_Webinar.pdf

THINKING OF BECOMING A FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER?
WONDERING ABOUT GRANTS FOR DOWN PAYMENT & CLOSING COSTS?

If you responded yes, then please register for our next 2-day virtual homebuyer webinar (September 9 & September 11, 2024 from 5:30 pm to 8:15 pm – MUST register and attend both days) to earn a Homebuyer Certificate. This certificate if crucial for accessing special lower rate mortgage products and down payment/closing cost grant programs.  Grant programs and the State of NJ Affordable Housing Program will be covered as well. Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 for more details or click here.

WHAT IS CJHRC’S SAVINGS MATCH PROGRAM?

Approved clients are required to participate in monthly counseling sessions, engage in ongoing budgeting, and make monthly savings contributions in order to qualify for a 3:1 match grant. This program helps clients achieve financial stability, improve their credit, and reduce their debt.

DO I REALLY GET $300, $450 or $900 PAID TO A DEBT/GOAL IF
I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?

Yes – clients/households who meet all requirements will qualify for a match grant,  CJHRC match funds are distributed in one of the following ways depending on what length of time the approved household selected.  Options are:  4 months - $300, 6 months - $450, and 12 months - $900. These funds will be allocated to a specific goal determined at the time of application/program start. To learn more about the program or for an application please contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036.

CJHRC’s staff provide FREE counseling services for financial literacy, pre- and post-purchase, rental, mortgage default/foreclosure, Fair Housing issues/questions and homeless counseling.  Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 or visit our website at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/781481c4/2g-2ym30W0KcQ-tWa0HlDw?u=http://www.cjhrc.org/ to view resources. 

Make sure you like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or follow us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing) to get important housing announcements, resources and information.  CJHRC posts weekly on our social media accounts.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

Parent Aide - Bilingual Full Time (35 hours/week)

Description:

• The Parent Aide will provide in-home support and guidance to parents to improve their parenting skills, enhance family functioning, and ensure the safety and well-being of children. This position is part of the Exchange Parent Aide Program, which aims to strengthen families through parent education, support, and case management in the homes of at-risk families.
• Conduct regular home visits
• Maintain a caseload of 12-15
• Conduct family-centered assessments and develop a family plan.
• Enhance parenting skills
• Assist with community resources within geographic region of Somerset, Middlesex and Union counties.
• Maintain accurate records
• Attend case conferences with DCPP and attend staff meetings.
• Parent Aides’ may possess a GED or High School Diploma and demonstrate 3-5 years’ experience in providing direct care to minors and/or related experience in the child welfare system.  Must be Bilingual – English/Spanish
•  Parents with lived experience must have demonstrated ability to advocate within the system while maintaining appropriate diplomacy while modeling these skills to families being served.
• OR – poses a Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field with at least one year’ experience working with families.
• Evening and weekend work may be required.
• Ability to work independently, effective communication skills, valid driver’s license in good standing, ability to work with diverse populations.
• The salary for this position is $49,000
• Job Code 20475

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen - Perth Amboy, NJ (ccdom.org)

Rutgers University School of Social Work

MSW Graduate Program (non-tenure track, professional practice faculty member - assistant professor rank or higher)

Description:

The faculty member will support academic success, retention, and well-being throughout all phases of the MSW MAP specialization and engage in related duties as necessary, which include:

• Supporting and liaising with faculty and lecturers to advance effective teaching and learning, scholarship and dissemination, and
  service to the school and community.
  
• Collaborating with the faculty and School’s leadership team to support curriculum development and new program initiatives within
  the MAP specialization.
  
• Working with the SSW Center for Leadership and Management on efforts that support MAP students and MAP alumni, including
  certificate and dual degree programs.
  
• Enhancing the School’s commitment to anti-racism, and inclusion, intersectionality, diversity, equity, and advancement (IIDEA)
  initiatives.
  
• Building and maintaining a community and sense of collegiality among MAP students.
  
• Supporting recruitment and advising efforts among MAP students.

Click Here to view flyer

Rutgers University Employment Opportunities | Faculty Position in the MSW Graduate Program (teaching or professional practice non-tenure track [NTT] at the rank of assistant professor rank or higher)