Before we talk about the resources, there seems to be a misconception about the phrase “It’s ok, to not be ok”! The whole concept behind that and the “Stigma Free” initiative is that a person should be comfortable with getting help without worrying about being stigmatized! What it does not mean, which many are doing today to take advantage of others and self centered motives, is like trying to get away with things and using the saying “i can do that and you cant do anything about it” attitude, thinking you have the right to do what ever you want! No, it does not mean that. Especially with the political climate and the legalizing of drugs, people have the attitude that they can get away with anything! It does not work that way! Just because something is legal, does not mean it’s healthy, or good for you! self medicating is not good! All of a sudden, young parents are smoking drugs around their children and even, NJ has put the cart before the horse and legalized drugs and now they want to do televised PSA’s the dos and don’ts of using drugs. but on the other hand they are saying it’s a good thing for State revenue. Approximately 50% of young adults that are going out to parks in this nice weather, the ones that drive are getting high and then driving! Also, one of the worst things, that they won’t tell you is that once a young adult does legalized drugs on a regular basis, they not only loose inhibitions, but they loose basic morals. Sadly we still hear in the news about people during traffic stops, running or even worse, trying to take the weapons away from the authorities. This is a recipe for disaster! What we need to do is go back to basics and solve some of these problems by looking at how we can prevent more damage! We need to start with the MH agencies, they need to stand up for what is right and not what is politically correct! The Nj division of MH and the health dept, up until now had no clue what the CRC (drug commission ) was doing, but more clueless about the repercussions of young adults under 25 (25 is the key age says the experts)! i would not doubt that politicians that pushed this agenda secretly bought stock and invested in rehabs and prisons, which unfortunately will be where many end from the repercussions! Reality check, from a mental health standpoint, from the experts: We all know governments lie, cheat and steal. And sometimes their decisions may not be to our benefit. Like the legalization of marijuana. If you think you’re going to get high just to get high, you need to think to yourself, “Why do I need to get high?” Why can’t you just enjoy life? If you’re taking it for medical reasons, prescribed by a doctor, that’s great! You are under a doctor’s care and it is controlled. Many 2020 DUI, marijuana-related car crashes were connected with alcohol use as well. Your question should be, “Did he drink and become impaired, then got high and then drove, or the other way around?” The fact is, even if Marijuana doesn’t kill you or others, according to reports, more kids are driving high. You do the math! In 2021, new legislation for sales of marijuana in New Jersey is underway. Legislators claim they are “decriminalizing” small amounts to decrease the number of minority arrests for possession. Well, the truth is, more will be arrested, more will become addicted, more kids will be taken away from their “responsible” young parents. (In a related story, states reportedly make millions off legally selling your kids). Back to marijuana and all your excuses, where they will lead you, whether you are going to smoke, the effects on the people around you. The facts on marijuana: there will be more Highway deaths, more arrests, more people harming or killing their babies, more multi-drug use and driving, more robbery homicides, and so on. You can blame everything else or you can wake up. Marijuana may not kill you, but it will likely affect your family, your friends and maybe ruin someone’s life. not to mention the health effects of developing young people or effects on infants! How much do you care about your family or others? That is the question!
Basic Mental Health and Addiction Resources CLICK HERE!
To download the HRG Community Resource Guide PDF; CLICK HERE !!
NEW UPDATE: Basic SPANISH version of the HRG Bergen Community Resource Guide PDF; CLICK HERE !!
Please remember also that “There is no health without Mental Health”! Help is available.
Mental Health must be a priority! If you need support, contact, help is available.
Dial 911 for emergencies
Bergen:201-262-HELP
NJEA HELPLINE 1-866-243-6532 or email AID-NJEA@ubhc.rutgers.edu
Veterans Counseling Hotline 866-VETS-NJ4 (838-7654)
Compulsive Gambling of NJ 800-GAMBLER (426-2537)
NJ Hope Line (suicide prevention) 855-654-6735
1 866-COP-2COP (267-2267) /Fire, First Responder Support: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhas/home/disaster/responder/
Reach NJ 844-732-2465
IME Addictions Access Center 844-276-2777
NJ Connect for Recovery 855-652-3737
The Peer Recovery Warmline 877-292-5588
National Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255
NJ Mental Health Cares 866-202-HELP (4357) TTY: 1-877-294-4356 https://www.njea.org/got-stress-call-njeas-member-helpline/
Bergen County NJ Div. of MH(201-634-2745): https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/mental-health-services/about-mental-health-services
Did you hear about the new food pantry in South Hackensack? Open Door Community Center; 310 Phillips Ave, South Hackensack (behind Boswell Engineering)
For more Bergen County food pantries, CLICK HERE!
Center for food action is open but you should call or fill out the online form to make an appointment! Some of the food pantries also have clothing and other non food items like baby needs too! Please note; They also have back utility assistance as well but you definitely need to call your local Center for food action for that assistance!
We are really getting close to “May is Mental Health month”! (This year is just flying too fast I must say)! So where does Bergen County stand in the mental Health and Stigma Free area? There are a couple new programs! Lyndhurst is one town that has a new pilot! One of CBH Care’s clinical team is working with Lyndhurst police and teaming up, when it comes to EDP calls! It’s not what the mainstream media has portrayed, it is actually more of a follow up program. You will hear more about this new pilot in the next few months, it is only weeks old, the pilot it self. After a situation is clear, a CBH clinical team will go out and assess and work with the family of the individual to assess the needs, the mental health needs of the person(s). What is the projected outcome of this new pilot; simply to promote mental health and well being as well as hopefully prevent “hospitalization recycling”! Stay tuned for more on this exciting and necessary program….
Also, incase you missed it; Have you used Bergen County’s transit connector in Hackensack yet? The Transit connector; rides to various Hackensack locations, transportation for homeless, and other creative resources that make Bergen County’s seat easier to get around. Bergen County is certainly a large county here in NJ and has come a long way from the horse and buggy (although that may be a fun idea), getting around & knowing where to go for resources can be challenging. Starting with Hackensack, the “Transit connector” is one of the many great resources Bergen Has to offer! Community Transportation of Bergen has come up with a free transit service for Hackensack the county seat! The Transit connector is a great free way to check out the sights or commute to and from work and so much more! Click the pic below to enlarge the schedule! Click the picture to the right to view and print the pdf!
Bergen Also has meals on wheels, did you know this program is also a part of Bergen Community transportation? ; CLICK HERE TO go to their page! Note: it’s more than just for seniors ! check it out!
One more important note; May 1 is the date that landlords don’t have to have heat anymore, but if you have problems, dial 211! They also are the homeless hotline!
HRG Community Resources, Guide & More 