CARES

Formerly the Metuchen Municipal Alliance, the newly organized committee Metuchen CARES continues the work of prevention and education concerning substance use disorders. But the Committee will now also:

Focus more on prevention and recovery, not just reduction of alcohol and drug use.
Provide education, community support, and resources for substance use disorders and other behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, porn, gaming).
Promote mental wellness across the community to children, teens, adults, and seniors.
Sponsor programs and activities that better meet the particular needs and interests of the Borough’s population in the areas of substance use, behavioral addictions, and mental health.

Metuchen CARES has joined the international movement that recognizes Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 each year. This movement brings communities together to remember those who died of the disease of addiction and to offer compassion to those who have lost loved ones to a substance use disorder. Similarly, the Committee will celebrate a Recovery Day to bring hope to people suffering from a substance use disorder, their families, and friends.

Metuchen CARES meets on the second Thursday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at 7:15 PM on the second floor of Borough Hall.

Sponsored two sessions of “A Natural High” for students, featuring neuropsychologist and standup comedian Dr. Matt Ballace at Metuchen High School (April 17, 2023).
Sponsored an evening program open to the entire adult community, “Supporting Teens in Reducing Their Stress (and Ours)” at Metuchen High School (April 17, 2023).
Supported Metuchen High School’s Project Graduation 2023 with a $1,000 donation. Also purchased clear plastic drawstring bags for graduates for the event. Two wallet-sized cards containing overdose and emergency information were placed inside each bag (June 2023).
Sponsored a 6-week peer leadership program for 5^th and 6^th grade campers at the Metuchen YMCA. Students learned important life skills like conflict resolution, sportsmanship, and how to stand up to peer pressure. (July/August 2023)
Commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day with an evening vigil in front of Borough Hall with over 300 people in attendance (August 31, 2023).
Began an educational campaign via the “Borough of Metuchen” Facebook page with biweekly messages from Metuchen CARES.
Co-sponsored with Wellspring Prevention, “Senior Jeopardy: Maintaining a Healthy Mind” at the Metuchen Senior Apartments on Lincoln Avenue (November 15, 2023).
Granted $1,000 to the Metuchen Public Library to create a teen issues collection. The collection will hold both novels and non-fiction books and other materials on topics like substance use, behavioral addictions, and mental health, as well as information on Metuchen CARES. The collection will debut in 2024 (December 2023).

Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. Administered as a nasal spray, Narcan can save lives.

For information on how to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose and when to use Narcan, CLICK HERE.

For a short, recorded Webinar from the State of New Jersey that is designed for the layperson, CLICK HERE to watch the NARCAN TRAINING VIDEO.

In New Jersey, any resident who is at least 14 years of age can get free Naloxone at participating pharmacies. Two such local providers are Boyt Drugs on Main Street in Metuchen and Devine’s Pharmacy on Oak Tree Road in Edison. For a complete list of participating pharmacies in NJ, CLICK HERE on LIST OF PHARMACIES

Safely dispose of your unused, unwanted or expired prescription medication, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The drop box is located on the lower level of the Woodbridge Township Police Department Lobby (1 Main St. Woodbridge, NJ 07095).

Please CLICK HERE to access the Woodbridge Township website for more information.

Contact

Lisa Hyman
Council Liasion