There’s a new coronavirus variant topping the leaderboard in the United States: EG.5. Nationally, EG.5 is causing about 17% of new Covid-19 cases in the country, compared with 16% for the next most common lineage, XBB.1.16, according to the latest estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. EG may sound like a whole new…
Since its launch in 2021, the aim of the ARRIVE Together program has been to change how authorities respond to mental health emergencies by pairing specially trained personnel with police officers arriving on the scene. The program is now in operation in Newark. Since June 21, mental health specialists have paired with members of the Newark Police…
Emphasis placed on youth mental health, as reports of depression increase. The latest state budget dedicates well over $120 million to mental and behavioral health care. Money will be going toward the 988 suicide and crisis hotline, expanding the number of mental health professionals in the state and funding a new statewide program that offers…
Cultural differences and language barriers have made it difficult for some Hispanic residents to find and work with behavioral health providers Latino residents of New Jersey who need mental health services face a range of challenges, including language barriers, lack of access to providers and cultural stigma over seeking help. Now, lawmakers in Washington say…
Food must nourish the bodies and minds of students, contribute to mental and physical well-being, and help prevent chronic illness—leading to overall success. A groundbreaking initiative, the Coalition for Healthy Food in Newark Schools (HFINS), has been launched to ensure every child in Newark schools receives nutritious meals every day. The Coalition is hosting community listening…
People experiencing homelessness in New Jersey will now have easier access to mental health services. On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that allows mental health professionals to provide care at shelters. It removes red tape that previously prohibited this. “The stress individuals often face when experiencing homelessness can unfortunately lead to or exacerbate…
Pulmonologists say keeping track of environmental triggers can help asthmatics better manage their condition. There are various environment-related factors that can induce flare ups for the over 2.5 million asthma sufferers in the tri-state area, according to health experts. This includes conditions like humidity, the presence of smoke, mold and pollen in the air. Dr.…
NEWARK, NJ — Newark police are launching a “summer crime reduction initiative” in 2023. On Thursday, several city officials gathered for a news conference to discuss the upcoming initiative, which will be done as a partnership between the Newark Police Department and the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery. “Addressing crime as a public…
Struggling New Jersey residents could see their monthly food benefit nearly double under a proposal designed to avoid what advocates describe as a looming “hunger cliff” after federal emergency funding expires in February. Lawmakers unanimously approved a bill Thursday to establish a $95 minimum monthly allotment to participants in SNAP, the state and federally funded…
Adolescents at high schools throughout the state are learning how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health issues and substance use disorders in their friends and how to seek help from an adult that they trust through a mental health first-aid program for teenagers. The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is introducing the…