“Medical Aid in Dying in NJ: Significance, Law and Process”

“I lived my whole life following others’ wishes. Let me follow my own wish in my death.”
― Shon Mehta, The Timingila

For those of you who follow this column, you know that much of this writer's emotional (non-work) energy has been focused this past year on my 96 -year- old father's journey from full independence to a loss of autonomy and self-direction to a state of total dependency.  This has been particularly difficult for him to experience (and for those who love him to watch).  Although his body has betrayed him, his mind (other than some short- term memory deficits) and his core values have remained intact. 

In 2019, the State of New Jersey became the 9th state (with the addition of the District of Columbia bringing the number to 10) in the country to codify Medical Aid in Dying as a legal choice for residents. The language that follows is taken directly from the M.A.i.D. legislation:

"In summary, the Act allows an adult New Jersey resident, who has the capacity to make health care decisions and who has been determined by that individual’s attending and consulting physicians to be terminally ill, to obtain medication that the patient may self-administer to end the patient’s life. “Terminally ill” is defined in the Act to mean the patient is in the terminal stage of an irreversibly fatal illness, disease, or condition with a prognosis, based upon reasonable medical certainty, of a life expectancy of six months or less."

As a Director of Human Services (and a social worker by trade) I am ashamed to say that although I was aware of this law when it passed 3 years ago, the intervening years (and the COVID crisis in particular) drove that knowledge from my memory.  It was only a somewhat vague allusion by my father's hospice chaplain that had us explore things further.  In the end it was my 4th year med student daughter who connected us with an attending physician and medical ethicist who had become a mentor to her and was instrumental in the development of what eventually became the M.A.i.D. law in NJ. It was through this pathway that we eventually connected with Compassionate Endings NJ, a Cherry Hill based practice dedicated to death with dignity. My daughter and I  had many discussions earlier in the year- before the cascade- about my father's involvement and support of our former Unitarian minister's end of life in 1995 in Michigan (at a time when assisted death wasn't legal anywhere in this country).  Oregon became the first state to make death with dignity legal when its citizens voted to approve such a provision in 1994, and  finally saw that law become a reality in 1997.

Through the dedicated and tireless work of my sister, the evaluations by both an attending and consulting physician were arranged, and approval was granted for my father to follow his wishes.  By the time you read this, my father will have left this world – with dignity and independent will- and left it a better place than he found it 96 years ago.

As much as I support both my father’s decision and am thankful for the existence of M.A.i.D.  I am acutely aware of how limited “real access” to this process is.  Our family is about as connected to the medical and legislative system as a family can be.  Even with all that connectedness, we somehow needed to be reminded, in my father’s year of crisis, that such an avenue existed.  This is not an easy process.  It requires the ability to complete complicated forms, finding physicians who are both knowledgeable and supportive of the process the law allows and access to thousands of out- of -pocket dollars.  As is no surprise, neither Medicare nor Medicaid covers any of the costs (as federal programs they do not support laws passed only at a state level). The lack of knowledge and access is sadly emblematic of our “haves and have nots’” healthcare and social support systems.

One of the last promises my sister and I made to my father was that we would champion, as his proxies, a brave and “no secrets” stance about his final choice.  In death, as in life, my father has always been a shining example of what it means to live one’s life as a fully integrated human being, whose approach to the world was the same on an interpersonal level as it was on a professional, social, and political tier.  He has asked us to make sure that his obituary makes manifest that knowledge is power and that awareness and autonomy and the right to self-determination are critical to humans. 

My earnest belief in equitable and progressive legislation notwithstanding, I will be struggling in his absence.  I have learned so much from him about how to be a man and an active community member.  I have learned how to be a father (and grandfather), how to be the best sibling I can be and how to strive to reject fear and anxiety as an excuse for inaction.  I am going to miss him tremendously but will forever remain thankful that his final act was both selfless and “self-full” (a concept we struggle with) at the same time.

Go easy, Dad.

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)
HELPFUL & IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
3 INFORMATIONAL SERIES WEBINARS

1. Home Safety – It has just been a little over a year since our area was hit by Tropical Storm Ida. Call a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 to get signed up to watch this important webinar. The webinar includes lots of vital information regarding the importance of preparing a disaster/emergency plan, fire prevention topics, home maintenance and other tips/resources everyone should know in order to be safe.

2. Important Documents to Have Prepared: October 18, 2022 from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm.

 Perfect Opportunity to get FREE information from a local Somerset County attorney who is a featured presenter. We often have clients who do not realize or just never get around to getting their legal documents in order. Topics to be covered include: Preparing a Will and Why It is Important To Have (especially for homeowners), Reasons to Obtain a Power of Attorney, Affordable Homeowners Can Leave Deed Restricted Property to Their Heirs and more!

Click this link to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7227222295942038798

3. Affordable Housing Overview: November 10, 2022 from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm

If you own a State of New Jersey Very Low, Low or Moderate Income Unit, this webinar will answer a lot of typical questions. Learn about refinancing, subordination requirements, resale and maximum sale price calculations and other important information.

Click the link to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3480397830273061648

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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 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.

Vendors Sought for DisABILITY Services Expo | News | Somerset County (Click here for more info)

Diversity Festival 2022

Submitted by Kimberly Cowart, Director of the Somerset County Community Development Office

Somerset County welcomes, and is home to, a diverse population of promising individuals from around the world. Diversity is one of the county’s greatest assets and has helped form unique and vibrant communities that make us proud and hopeful about the future. To celebrate that, October is Global Diversity Awareness month, the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners will host the fourth annual Diversity Festival on October 16, 2022 from 12-4 pm on Main and Grove Streets in downtown Somerville.  The Diversity Festival is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate residents from all backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities and have a great day in downtown Somerville all at the same time!

This year’s festival offers something for everyone. The space has doubled, providing room for more food, more games, and more fun! We’ve added a second sound stage to accommodate more artists and will feature performances by a zydeco band, an Indian fusion duo, a jazz duo, an acappella chorus, and a Latin swing band. There will also be two dance performances. For the first time ever, the festival will feature a KidZone where games and activities for our youngest county residents will be concentrated. There will be a BounceHouse, a DJ, two face painters, a henna artist and jugglers, in addition to all the games and activities we’ve planned.  And best of all - there is no charge for any of this.  All we want is for you to come with an open mind and enjoy a beautiful fall day with your neighbors. 

To make the day even more special, we’ve worked with the Somerset County Business Partnership to solicit prizes from their members and will have drawings throughout the day for an Iron Peak gift bag, tickets to the Raritan Valley Community College planetarium, a one-month membership to the Jewish Community Center, and class passes to Club Pilates.  And do bring your appetite as there will be delicious, affordable offerings from food trucks and local restaurants, as well as a passport menu to make you aware of meal specials along Main Street. Come for lunch and stay for dinner. 

As the festival theme says: Somerset County - Everyone Belongs Here!  That includes YOU, so please join us; it won’t be the same without you.  If you would like more information about the Diversity Festival, please contact Kimberly Cowart at cowart@co.somerset.nj.us.

For more details about the festival, visit:

2022 Somerset County Diversity Festival | Somerset County

Moving Forward: National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month

Submitted by Janiel Gibson, BSW CCBHC

Did you know that more than 7% of adults are diagnosed with depression, but people aged 12-25 have the highest rates of depression? In addition, more than 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide. (World Health Organization, 2020), Furthermore, depression is the leading cause of disability in the world. (World Health Organization, 2020) Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. with major depressive disorder being the most common. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/depression-statistics/

Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed.  There are symptoms that you may feel or exhibit when facing depression. These may include feeling sad or anxious often or all the time, not wanting to do activities that used to be fun and feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html

Don’t get discouraged! Research indicates that depression in highly treatable.  There are multiple treatment options including medications and therapy.  “There is a wide consensus among experts that mild depression responds to psychotherapy such as cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), without drugs. More severe depression responds best to a combination of drugs and psychotherapy. Antidepressant drugs are most effective against depression that is moderate to severe and chronic in nature.  Psychiatrists who are highly experienced in treating depression have a general sense of which symptoms, and which clusters of symptoms, may respond to which antidepressant drugs. Still, more often than not, it takes a trial of one or more agents to find the most effective one, or combination of drugs, and the most effective dose, with the fewest, or most tolerable, side effects.” Treatment of Depression | Psychology Today

If you are feeling depressed and would like some assistance, you can reach out directly to the Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center by calling 908-704-2800.  Caring staff will direct you along the way to getting help that can include assistance with all health care, housing, employment, and links to economic support for people who have mental health concerns.  Remember you are not alone! We are here to help.

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in” ― Leonard Cohen.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health problems, please call our ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165. If this is a psychiatric emergency call Bridgeway PESS at 908-527-4100.

OR CALL 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

4-H TRUNK OR TREAT

Friday, October 21, 2022 • 6pm-7:30pm

310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Somerset County 4-H invites Somerset County employees / departments to participate in our Trunk-or-Treat!

This is our second year trunk-or-treating and we would be thrilled to have your participation to come together as a community for a fun time!
Decorate your car, dress up in costume and bring your own candy to hand out to the youth. This is a completely free event and will last only an hour and a half. Back-up candy will be available on-site if needed.

To register your car, sign up here. For more information, please contact Yhannels Limongi, event coordinator, at limongi@co.somerset.nj.us.

https://4histops.org/events/fullmoon-2022

Below are various job opportunities available within Somerset County including with partner agencies/organizations. For all inquiries, contact the organization directly.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Clinical Supervisor (099)
Bridgewater, NJ
*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*
Responsibilities
• Assist families in obtaining and retaining housing in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties
• Responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the in-home program
• 24/7 on call back-up crisis coverage
Requirements
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure required
• LCSW or LPC preferred
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience providing treatment services to families and knowledge of housing first philosophy
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history
Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Clinical Supervisor (168_153)
Flemington/Phillipburg
*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*
Responsibilities
• Day to day and clinical operations of intensive in-home counseling for CP&P-referred families and youth in Hunterdon and Warren Counties
• Staff supervision, record reviews, directing staff, keen crisis management skills and supporting the clinical needs of the program
• Case conference w/ CP&P and other providers
• 24/7 backup cell phone coverage
Requirements
• Supervision/Training of staff
• Work in a diverse fast paced environment
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure in that field as required by degree
• Valid driver’s license in good standing required
Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Clinical Supervisor (168_153)
Flemington/Phillipburg
*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*
Responsibilities
• Day to day and clinical operations of intensive in-home counseling for CP&P-referred families and youth in Hunterdon and Warren Counties
• Staff supervision, record reviews, directing staff, keen crisis management skills and supporting the clinical needs of the program
• Case conference w/ CP&P and other providers
• 24/7 backup cell phone coverage
Requirements
• Supervision/Training of staff
• Work in a diverse fast paced environment
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure in that field as required by degree
• Valid driver’s license in good standing required
Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Clinical Supervisor (099)
Bridgewater, NJ
*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*
Responsibilities
• Assist families in obtaining and retaining housing in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties
• Responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the in-home program
• 24/7 on call back-up crisis coverage
Requirements
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure required
• LCSW or LPC preferred
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience providing treatment services to families and knowledge of housing first philosophy
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history
Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Clinical Supervisor (099)
Bridgewater, NJ
*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*
Responsibilities
• Assist families in obtaining and retaining housing in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties
• Responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the in-home program
• 24/7 on call back-up crisis coverage
Requirements
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure required
• LCSW or LPC preferred
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience providing treatment services to families and knowledge of housing first philosophy
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history
Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Clinical Supervisor (099)
Bridgewater, NJ
*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*
Responsibilities
• Assist families in obtaining and retaining housing in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties
• Responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the in-home program
• 24/7 on call back-up crisis coverage
Requirements
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure required
• LCSW or LPC preferred
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience providing treatment services to families and knowledge of housing first philosophy
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history
Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Clinical Supervisor (099)
Bridgewater, NJ
*Sign-on Bonus $2,500*
Responsibilities
• Assist families in obtaining and retaining housing in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, and Warren Counties
• Responsible for the administration and oversight of all aspects of the in-home program
• 24/7 on call back-up crisis coverage
Requirements
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field, and NJ licensure required
• LCSW or LPC preferred
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience providing treatment services to families and knowledge of housing first philosophy
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history
Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Visitation Counselor (146)
Bridgewater
Sign On Bonus: $2,500
Responsibilities
• Provide supervised visitation and therapeutic interventions to biological parents and their children who are working toward family reunification
• Work with a DCP&P contracted caseload of children placed in relative or non-relative Resource Homes
• Visits take place in-home, in-community and in-offices
• Attend & participate in agency trainings
• Enter electronic records, including NJ SPIRIT, detailed case documentation skills are necessary
Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field 
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving history, travel throughout Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties
Forward resumes to HRDocumentsGroup@ccdom.org