Hunterdon County is hosting programs this month to support the mental health of local service members and their families through a partnership with the New Jersey Hospital Association.
Hunterdon County Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren announced the county’s Division of Senior, Disabilities, and Veteran Services will host two free Mental Health First Aid sessions tailored for military members, veterans, and their relatives.
The programs are in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.
The evidence-based training is designed to help participants identify signs of mental health or substance use challenges and connect those in need with professional care.
“As liaison to the Department of Human Services, I am proud to support programs that expand access to mental health education and resources for our veterans and their families,” Van Doren said. “This training gives residents the tools to recognize when someone may be struggling and how to respond in a supportive and meaningful way.”
The 7.5-hour course addresses the specific stressors faced by the military community, including trauma and the social stigma often attached to seeking psychiatric help.
Participants will be trained in the “ALGEE” action plan, a five-step process that involves Assessing for risk of suicide or harm, Listening nonjudgmentally, Giving reassurance and information, Encouraging appropriate professional help, and Encouraging self-help and other support strategies.
According to data, nearly 25% of active-duty service members show signs of mental health conditions, and veterans maintain a suicide rate significantly higher than the non-veteran population.
The training sessions, which is valued at $170 per person, are funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
The sessions will be held Wednesday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hunterdon County Health Department at 1 Walter E. Foran Blvd. in Flemington. Lunch is provided.
Residents can register online at www.njha.com/njvetsmhfa or by emailing MHFA@njha.com.
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