Resources and Links

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

The Mercer County Department of Human Services cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by the following links. Linking to these sites does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Human Services or any of its employees of the sponsors or information and products presented on the following sites or at the following phone numbers.

Emergency Services

If there is immediate danger to you or someone else, call 911.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, call Capital Health's Emergency Screening Center, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 609-396-4357 (HELP).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connects people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress to trained counselors who are part of the existing Lifeline network 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When people call, text, or chat 988, trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. The previous Lifeline phone number (800-273-8255) also will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

The New Jersey Hopeline is New Jersey's peer support and suicide prevention hotline where specialists are available at 855-654-6735 for confidential telephone counseling and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In response to disasters and community crises, the toll-free Disaster Mental Health Helpline was established through the Disaster and Terrorism Branch of the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (now Integrated Health) within the New Jersey Department of Human Services and by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey as a resource for those seeking mental health services and information regarding other resources. This helpline is used to support the services of the Disaster and Terrorism Branch during times of declared disasters or incidents that significantly affect New Jersey’s communities.The Disaster Mental Health Helpline, which has language access and 24-hour capability, can be reached at 877-294-4357 or TTY at 877-294-4356.

Coping with Incidents of Mass Violence

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was created by Congress in 2000 as part of the Children’s Health Act to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events. This unique network of frontline providers, family members, researchers, and national partners is committed to changing the course of children’s lives by improving their care and moving scientific gains quickly into practice across the United States.

In response to a recent school shooting, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has provided the following resources to help people navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. These resources include:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders and their families. The agency provides a national Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 that provides 24/7, year-round crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Calls and texts are answered by trained, caring counselors from crisis call centers located throughout the United States.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also provides information and resources to help people deal with the emotional distress that incidents of mass violence can cause.

Insurance

NJ FamilyCare
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance program that includes Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid, and Medicaid expansion populations. Qualified New Jersey residents of any age may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, dental care, mental health and substance use services, and hospitalization. To reach NJ FamilyCare, visit its website or call 800-701-0710 (TTY 800-701-0720).

Support

Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis, as well as their families and friends, with qualified Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to any veteran and his or her loved ones, even if they are not registered with Veterans Affairs or enrolled in Veterans Affairs' health care by calling 800-273-8255, chatting online, or sending a text message to 838255. Another support line for veterans is the Combat Call Center, which can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 877-927-8387. Combat veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experiences or any other issues they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life.

Although these above are outside agencies and are not under the purview of the County of Mercer, you can contact Michele Madiou with any questions about the Mercer County Division of Mental Health at 609-989-6574 or mmadiou@mercercounty.org.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer