Linda Martorano

The committee meeting covered updates on county programs, including information regarding the upcoming Disabilities Expo and Senior Expo, as well as the updating of the Hunterdon County Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resource Guide. Discussions included the Municipal Alliance program updates, reports on drug trends such as opioid and polysubstance use, and the status of Opioid Settlement Fund contracts. The committee also received a presentation from the New Jersey Opioid Settlement Advocacy Group and discussed the potential for future focus groups to identify community needs.

The meeting agenda includes departmental updates from the county, state, and NAMI Hunterdon. Unfinished business features the Stigma-Free Film Project, while new business covers presentations from the Legal Services of Northwest Jersey and Easter Seals ICMS regarding their respective operations and services.

The board meeting agenda includes administrative and staff updates, along with monitoring reports. Key business items involve the review of SADC Direct Easement applications for farms located in Franklin, Kingwood, and Alexandria. The agenda also features a presentation regarding agricultural and economic development. Additionally, the board will address Right to Farm matters, specifically the consideration of resolutions concerning properties in Bethlehem and West Amwell Township, as well as a commercial farm certification for a property in Kingwood.

The meeting featured updates on Mental Health Awareness Month activities, including educational sessions and the Senior Services Expo. State updates included new training for Substance Use Disorder laboratory providers regarding billing and the integration of prior authorization decisions into NJSAMS. NAMI Hunterdon provided information on their completed Expressive Arts Contest and the transition of their Peer Support Group to in-person sessions. The board discussed potential future site visits to local organizations, including the Community Wellness Center and the Behavioral Health Unit at Hunterdon Medical Center. Additionally, a presentation on EISS provided an overview of their case management services for individuals seeking short-term mental health support. Agency updates covered the creation of a video for the Stigma Free Task Force, PAAD training offered by MHA, and the announced merger between the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Jed Foundation.

The agenda focuses on organizational elections for the chair and co-chair positions, as well as discussions on planning and integration and the initiation of yearly projects. The council will also receive various reports from the County Department of Human Services, the New Jersey Department of Human Services, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, and internal committees including by-laws, housing, legislative, and nominations, alongside agency updates and goal setting.