Save A Live Day 2025

Submitted by Stephanie Billitz, Behavioral Health System Navigator

On September 25, 2025, Somerset County was a part of a large-scale Naloxone Distribution event called Save a Life Day. For those wondering, “What is Save a Life Day?” In 2023, 13 Appalachian states joined together and distributed over 45,000 naloxone doses in a single day. In 2024, the goal was to bring this movement east, which was the first year Somerset County participated along with one other county in New Jersey. This year, all 50 states participated and 18 counties in New Jersey appeared on the map. In Somerset County we were able to distribute over 977 kits, which is 1,954 doses of life saving medication out into our community!

This year we are thankful for the opportunity to receive a free naloxone distribution box from one of the event sponsors, generously provided by CareSource. CareSource was able to provide 50 free naloxone distribution boxes to SOAR WV (West Virginia’s largest overdose prevention group--powered by volunteers), in which they gave the opportunity to apply, with the intention to be one awarded per state. New Jersey had 16 counties that were eligible to apply, with Somerset County being the awardee. The naloxone distribution box will be housed and stocked by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County- an organization that already provides so much support to our residents.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers and community partners for a commendable job on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Despite year two of rain, our volunteers were dedicated to showing up and taking part in this important initiative. This year we had over 30 locations throughout Somerset County, and without each and every one of you, we couldn’t have pulled it off. Not only did we get Narcan out into the community, but we had meaningful conversations and shared valuable resources. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we all come together for one common goal: to decrease the stigmatization many of our residents’ experience on a daily basis.

For those who were unable to visit us at one of our locations throughout the county on September 25, rest assured there are still plenty of opportunities!

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services have partnered together to bring free training and naloxone nasal spray kits. They offer free public trainings six times per month, and registration is required: 

First Monday of each month at 1:30PM

First Friday of each month at 12:30PM

Second Thursday of each month at 11:00AM

Second Wednesday of each month at 5:00PM

Last Monday of each month at 12:30PM

Last Tuesday of each month at 12:30PM

To register, or if you have any questions or want to set up a training for your agency, please contact: 

Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Division of Addiction Psychiatry

732-235-4341

PreventOverdose@rwjms.Rutgers.edu

If you have any other questions, please contact us at humanservices@co.somerset.nj.us

Staying Informed while Protecting our Mental Health: Setting Boundaries with the News

Submitted by Elisa LaPietra, MS, PhD, LSW, Access Center Coordinator, Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center

Take a minute to think about one news event you have been listening to, reading about, or watching over the past month. Rate the event on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 meaning not disturbing at all and 10 meaning extremely disturbing. How did you rate it? Consider the thoughts, emotions, or physical reactions you have had in response to this news event as you read the following.

It is probably not surprising to learn that the more disturbing a news story is to you personally and the more frequent your news exposure, the stronger the negative impact it can have on your mental health (De Hoog & Verboon, 2019). For years, it has been established in research that watching the news, particularly disturbing news, can increase stress, anxiety, symptoms of depression (Lindberg, 2024; Johnston & Davey, 1997), and feelings of helplessness (Margaret, n.d.). In addition, continuous exposure to adverse news events can lead to “information overload,” increasing stress and anxiety (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). The news can be even more overwhelming for people who are emotionally sensitive (Fehling, 2025) or already experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. The constant availability of news makes us all vulnerable to these effects.

Social media has exacerbated the negative effects of news events. Social media platforms use algorithms to present content that support our negative bias, or our predisposition to pay more attention to unpleasant, harmful, or traumatic events over positive ones (Touroni, 2022). As a result, sensationalism and disaster reporting get more of our time and attention than “feel good” stories. This negative and dramatic news is used in social media to keep us scrolling longer (Touroni, 2022) and to increase the likelihood that we will click on various website links (Huff, 2022). It is important to be aware of this manipulation of our attention and the adverse effects, in order to set boundaries with social media as a news outlet.

How do you know if the news is having a negative impact on you and to what extent?  Consider how you feel after news exposure, such as angry, stressed, or worried (Lindberg, 2024). If you already struggle with anxiety or depression, related symptoms may feel worse. Overexposure to the news on social media may be indicated by feeling compelled to scroll continuously, spending more time than you intended, or feeling addicted to social media sites (Khaleel Al Musawi, 2025). 

It is important to find a balance between staying informed and maintaining our mental health. As you read through these various strategies, pick one you could start today. Use the reference list for additional suggestions and more information on the impact of news on our mental health.

• Identify the least stressful way for you to receive news, i.e. watch, listen, or read (Lindberg, 2024) and use only that medium for one week.
• Take a break from the news for a few days or longer if needed.
• Set a news time limit for the day. Set a time limit for social media as well to avoid overexposure (Touroni, 2022).
• Limit your exposure to people who add news related stress to your day or set limits with them. (Fehling, 2025).
• After the news, do something else, such as walking or talking to a friend (Lindberg, 2024).
• Avoid watching disturbing images. Choose your content as much as possible (Margaret, 2025).
• Avoid watching the news before you go to bed as anxiety can interfere with sleep (Touroni, 2022)
• If you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression related to watching the news:
  • Seek support through a friend or family member.
  • Use deep breathing, stretching, exercise.
  • Distract yourself with music, art activities, sharing a meal, or an activity you enjoy.
  • Avoid the use of alcohol or drugs. Experience your feelings.
  • If needed, pursue professional help, such as a therapist.
• If you are motivated by the news event to get more involved, seek to volunteer or find a related committee or group to join.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 15). How to cope with stress from news and events.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-cope-with-stress-from-news-and-events

De Hoog, N.,& Verboon, P. (2019). Is the news making us unhappy? The influence of daily

news exposure on emotional states. British Journal of Psychology, 111(2), 157–173. doi: 10.1111/bjop.12389

Fehling, K. (2025, Sept 5). 5 tips for coping with distressing world events. Psychology Today.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/building-a-life-worth-living/202312/5-tips-for-coping-with-distressing-world-events?msockid=1ce191eb3d356c683cc187833c9b6d45

Huff, C. (2022). Media overload is hurting our mental health. Here are ways to manage

headline stress. Monitor on Psychology, 53(8), 20. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overload

Johnston W. M., & Davey G. C. (1997). The psychological impact of negative TV news

bulletins: The catastrophizing of personal worries. British Journal of Psychology, 88(Pt 1), 85-91. doi:10.1111/j.2044-8295.1997.tb02622.x

Khaleel Al Musawi, H., (2025). The impact of social media on mental health: A

comprehensive academic analysis. [Abstract from Sage Publishing]. The Family Journal, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807251346978

Lindberg, S. (2024, May 24). Is watching the news bad for your mental health?

Verywellmind. https://www.verywellmind.com/is-watching-the-news-bad-for-mental-health-4802320#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Centers

Margaret, A. (n.d.) How to avoid seeing disturbing content on social media and protect your

peace of mind. CNN. Retrieved Sept 14, 2025, from https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-to-avoid-seeing-disturbing-content-on-social-media-and-protect-your-peace-of-mind/ar-AA1MugHv?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Touroni, E. (2022, March 14). What are the psychological effects of watching the news?

Chelsea Psychology Clinic.

https://www.thechelseapsychologyclinic.com/wellbeing/psychological-effects-of-watching-the-news/

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

Purple Thursday Registration

Ask Ava Anything

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

At CJHRC, all our services are completely FREE!

As a HUD approved agency, we provide very low-, low- and moderate-income households with useful information and access to counseling and programs to achieve their housing, budgeting and financial goals. 

     Easy ways to get started:

• Call a counselor – 908-446-0036
• Visit www.cjhrc.org

Ready to buy a home? Get your certificate in just two days by attending CJHRC's

2-day Homebuyer Certificate Program to learn the home-buying process. Here's what you'll gain:

• Expert knowledge: Learn from local industry experts who will guide you through every step of the process.
• Official certificate: Receive a homebuyer certificate, valid for 12 months, upon completing both sessions and the necessary paperwork.
• Access to grants: This certificate is a requirement for many down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
• Better mortgage options: The certificate may help you qualify for better mortgage products. 

Details & Registration Information:

📅 Dates: November 17 & 19, 2025

⏰  Time: 5:30 PM – 8:15 PM

📝 Must attend both days to earn   

     certificate

🔗 Register Here    

SAVING MATCH PROGRAM FOR SOMERSET COUNTY RESIDENTS

With the CJHRC Savings Match Program, your hard work is rewarded.

Our 3:1 match grant helps you significantly boost your savings for a key financial goal. Over 4, 6, or 12 months, you'll gain crucial financial skills, including:

• Effective budgeting
• Smart expense tracking
• Establish savings and deposit $25 monthly
• Improving your debt and credit score(s)

Click below for more information

🔗 Program Details & Application

Stay Connected! Get important housing announcements, resources and information by liking us on Facebook Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or following us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing)

4-H

• Somerset County 4-H Medieval Jubilee:

• Somerset County 4-H Ag-Venture Days-Fall Harvest: (flyer attached) 4-H Ag-Venture Days program, taking place on November 6 and 7, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Somerset County 4-H Center, located at 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ. This engaging and interactive program is open to youth in grades 1 through 5 and offers a fun, hands-on exploration of the farm-to-table process while highlighting the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. Participants will take part in a variety of educational workshops focused on topics such as potatoes, honey, cranberries, corn, dairy products, fall florals, apples, pumpkins, fall-themed agricultural art, community service, and much more. Registration Due: October 27. For more info visit: https://4histops.org/events/ag-day-fall 

• NJEP: We are enrolling for October’s cohort of NJ Empower to Prevent, a virtual National Diabetes Prevention Program. If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with prediabetes, register for this FREE, year-long program by contacting us or completing the registration link https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2soUa9t5kfhGfIO  
• Wellness Wednesdays: October Wellness Wednesdays: Join us for this month’s series of FCHS Wellness Wednesday webinars! These webinars take place every Wednesday at 12:30pm. Registration is required, but is free. To see all webinars, please visit: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/wellness-wednesdays/
• Tune in to the Facebook Live videos from Somerset County Family & Community Health Sciences (RCE) this October! By doing so, you can earn up to 5 LiveWell points (Metric 14)! Be sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/SCNJFCHS/ for updates and videos! 
• RCE Networking Event (hosted by FCHS)

• Food Bank Cooking Demo: Somerset County FCHS will be at the Food Bank Network of Somerset County Monday, 10/24 at 11am for a short cooking demo of butternut squash pear soup. This is the fourth class of a six-part series at the food bank to share nutrition education with food bank patrons. Please share with clients and families near this Bridgwater location, building 7-E Easy Street (Middlebrook Crossroads Industrial Park). For more information, visit www.somersetfoodbank.org 

• Rutgers Environmental Stewards - Registration Opens October 1

• Rutgers Environmental Stewards Impact Summit: Rutgers Environmental Stewards celebrates 20th Anniversary at November 1 Summit

2025 marks the 20th year of the Rutgers Environmental Steward program, a certificate program offered through Cooperative Extension for adult volunteers. The program trains volunteers on important environmental issues in New Jersey in areas such as sustainable climate change solutions, storm water management, and habitat conservation. Trained volunteers then work in their own communities helping to improve the environment.

The program will celebrate the 20th anniversary at their annual Impact Summit on November 1. All are welcome to attend. Register at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/64c58a11/T5w0pNun6U6gT0SvgCzZaw?u=https://go.rutgers.edu/ressummit25 

The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program has training over 1300 across all 21 New Jersey counties. Steward volunteers go on to be municipal environmental commission or green team members. Some work with Extension on invasive plant management projects or help organizations like the Atlantic County Utility Authority reduce waste.

Steward volunteers have: 

· completed 316 projects with over 50 partnership organizations including many helping to reduce the impact of climate change.

· engaged in 22,439 hours of environmental service across the state.

· contributed $860,136 in conservation value and impact to partnership projects.

· enhanced or created 145 habitat sites through natural resource activities.

New Employee Spotlight

Grace Montecalvo

The Somerset County Office of Juvenile Institutional Services is happy to welcome Grace Montecalvo, MSW, LSW to our staff! Grace graduated from Ramapo College in 2023 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Substance Use Disorders. She completed her Master’s in Social Work in May, 2025, also from Ramapo College. Grace has experience providing crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and social-emotional learning to elementary school students, in home services as a Behavior Assistant and as a provider of ABA therapy, and babysitting. She also interned at her college’s Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Services.

As a Juvenile Case Manager, Grace will primarily oversee our alternative to detention programs, including the Home Detention Program (electronic monitoring) and the Advanced House Arrest Program (app-based biometric recognition). She will also complete Youth Firesetting Intervention Specialist certification so that she can assist in the county’s Firewatch Program.

If you see Grace around, please give her a warm welcome!

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

Below are current job openings at Visions and Pathways:

Nutrition Coordinator- Resident Advisor

Residential Services Administrator

Outreach Worker (FT/PT)

LCSW/LPC Therapist

Youth Empowerment Specialist

Care Navigator

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-101J1314

Case Manager – AOTS (P/T)

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-093J1195

Case Manager – STAR

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-124J1125

Gambling Clinician

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-099P750

Health Data Specialist

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-098J364

Intake Triage Specialist

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-095J1191

Licensed Practical Nurse

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-096J1315

If you require assistance completing the online employment application, you may contact Human Resources at employment@co.somerset.nj.us or 908-231-7120

21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Program Director