Morris County Receives Nearly $400k to Enhance Mental Health Services

Statewide Initiative Allocates $9 Million to Improve Community Wellness Centers Across New Jersey

Morris County, NJ – In a significant boost to mental health services in Morris County, the New Jersey Department of Human Services has awarded $394,503 to the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris. This funding is part of a larger $9 million initiative announced by Commissioner Sarah Adelman to enhance Community Wellness Centers in all 21 counties, aiming to better serve individuals with serious mental illness.

“Community Wellness Centers are crucial resources that offer innovative support, peer assistance, social services, and education on mental health and substance use disorders—all at no cost,” said Commissioner Adelman. “We are pleased to award these grants to help expand their services to historically underserved areas, and ensure staff are well-supported. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this additional funding.”

The substantial grant awarded to the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris will support a range of initiatives designed to improve mental health services in the county. The funds will be utilized to:

• Enhance Staff Support: By offering competitive salaries, the organization aims to attract and retain qualified mental health professionals.
• Expand Reach: Services will extend into underserved areas, ensuring that more residents have access to the support they need.
• Off-Site Services: Introducing off-site programs to broaden the impact of the Wellness Centers beyond their physical locations.
• Support Vulnerable Populations: Increasing resources for groups that are particularly at risk, including those with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Educational Resources: Providing comprehensive recovery programs and educational materials to empower individuals in their mental health journeys.
• Health Literacy and Disease Prevention: Offering education to improve understanding of mental health issues and prevent illness.
• Transportation and Life Skills Training: Facilitating access to services and equipping individuals with essential skills for daily living.
• Increase Membership: Encouraging more community members to utilize the available resources, thereby reducing social isolation.

Commissioner Sarah Adelman emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it represents a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with serious mental illness across New Jersey. Funded through the state's Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the program began this month and will continue through June 2025.

“For individuals with substance use and mental health disorders, it’s essential to have access to supportive environments where they can receive compassionate care and be treated with dignity by individuals who themselves are in recovery. This additional funding will make these critical services available to additional underserved communities statewide,” said Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke.

Contracts were awarded to the following Community Wellness Centers:

• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, which was awarded $443,460 for Burlington County.
• Center for Family Services, which was awarded $383,420 for Warren County.
• Collaborative Support Programs of NJ, which was awarded $463,434 for Bergen, $521,360 for Camden, $530,290 for Cape May, $374,490 for Cumberland, $608,190 for Essex, $334,463 for Gloucester, $608,190 for Hudson, $403,433 for Middlesex, $521,360 for Monmouth, $463,473 for Passaic, $314,450 for Salem, $394,503 for Somerset, and $304,095 for Union counties.
• Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, which was awarded $394,503 for Morris and $314,450 for Sussex counties.
• Prevention Resources, which was awarded $314,500 for Hunterdon County.
• The Mental Health Association of NJ, which was awarded $510,277 for Atlantic, $463,473 for Ocean counties, along with $304,095 for Union County that will specifically target the Hispanic population.
• The Rescue Mission of Trenton, which was awarded $529,747 for Mercer County.

Impact on Morris County

The infusion of nearly $400,000 into Morris County's mental health services is expected to have a profound impact on the community. By focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural and linguistic competence, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris aims to provide personalized and effective support to residents.

Access to Help

Commissioner Adelman reminds Morris County residents and all New Jerseyans that help is available for those in need of mental health support:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or facing a mental health or substance use crisis can dial 988 at any time, day or night. The service is free, confidential, and offers support via call, text, or online chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. TTY services are also available.
• Substance Use Disorder Help Line: Individuals struggling with substance use can call 1-844-ReachNJ (1-844-732-2465), a 24/7 helpline providing assistance and resources.
• NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline: For general mental health support, residents can call 866-202-HELP (4357) or text NJHOPE to 51684.
• Videophone Mental Health Help Line: Deaf and hard of hearing individuals fluent in American Sign Language can access support through a videophone helpline at 973-870-0677.

“Please don’t hesitate to call if you are or a loved one is in need,” Commissioner Adelman said. “We are here to help.”

Local leaders and mental health advocates in Morris County have expressed optimism about the new funding. The enhanced services are expected to reduce social isolation, boost employment and educational opportunities, and support overall positive outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges.

“This initiative represents Human Services’ longstanding commitment to ensuring those with a mental health diagnosis have access to support in the community,” said Assistant Commissioner Renee Burawski, who oversees the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “New Jersey is proud of its commitment to help fund and support highly innovative and effective peer-based services, supports, and interventions for those with co-occuring substance use disorder.”

As services expand, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris plans to engage with the community through outreach programs, workshops, and collaborative efforts with other local organizations. The goal is to create a supportive network that fosters resilience and well-being among residents.

About the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris

The organization has a long-standing history of providing mental health services, advocacy, and education in the region. With the new funding, they are poised to amplify their impact and reach even more individuals in need.

For more information about the enhanced services or to get involved, residents can visit the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris website or contact them directly. Together, Morris County is taking significant steps toward a healthier, more supportive community for all.