EmPoWERing Our Community
In partnership with schools, businesses, health care providers, social service organizations, law enforcement, and many other key community stakeholders, we develop and implement strategies to create healthy communities, promote positive mental health, and prevent social problems such as substance misuse.
Healthier Somerset
Healthier Somerset is a coalition created to improve the health and well being of everyone who lives and works in Somerset County, New Jersey. By sharing information and creating alliances among individuals and organizations who are working toward mutual goals, the coalition implements community health initiatives guided by the 2019-2021 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Mental Health and Substance Abuse are identified as CHIP priorities. EmPoWER Somerset is a proud member of Healthier Somerset and provides leadership for the coalition’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse workgroup, closely aligned with our agency’s mission.
Please visit their website for more information.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Adults teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. The course introduces common mental health challenges and teaches a 5-step action plan to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. EmPoWER Somerset also offers specialized modules of the program with a focus on Veterans and Higher Education. Youth MHFA is also offered which teaches adults how to recognize warning signs and assist a young person who is in need of help.
For more information please contact Kim Petro-Orlik.
For a Schedule of MHFA Classes
SAFE Communities Coalition
The mission of the Safe Communities Coalition is to live in a SAFE and healthy community by eliminating drug misuse, underage drinking, and prescription drug misuse. Through widespread community collaboration, environmental change, and community education in Hunterdon and Somerset counties, the coalition addresses areas of concern including, but not limited to, reducing Rx drug misuse across the lifespan, underage drinking, tobacco, marijuana, and other drug misuse. EmPoWER Somerset, Pioneer Family Success Center and EmPoWER Youth Advisory Board are proud to be partners in this initiative.
Please visit their website for more information.
SBIRT Training
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for persons with substance use disorders, as well as those who are at risk of developing these disorders. There are a set of screening tools used to identify the youth who may be at risk of substance abuse. EmPoWER Somerset provides SBIRT trainings that can be offered in person, virtually live or as a recording. Through these trainings you will learn how to screen a youth using one of the screening tools, how to implement a brief intervention, and when it is needed to refer a youth for further treatment. For more information, please contact Jennifer Gomez.