Bloomfield Launches Monthly Mental Health Workshops For Parents

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Township of Bloomfield Department of Human Services, in partnership with Temple Ner Tamid and Rabbi Marc Katz, will be hosting a monthly workshop to help equip parents and caregivers of children, teens, and young adults with the support and information they need to understand and care for the mental health of their children.

According to a municipal news release, the workshops will be held at Temple Ner Tamid (936 Broad Street) on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on March 29, April 26, May 31, June 21, July 19 and August 23.

The workshops will include discussions of topics such as: signs/symptoms of mental illness, suicide, substance use disorders, overdose, underage substance abuse, legalization of cannabis, harm reduction strategies; as well as peer-to-peer discussions of experiences and support led by professionals.

The events will be facilitated by Eta Krasna Levenson, director of the Eric Eliezer Levenson Foundation for Hope, and Paula Peikes, Bloomfield director of social work services.

According to Bloomfield officials:

“Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a national state of emergency in children’s mental health, noting ‘rates of childhood mental health concerns and suicide rose steadily between 2010 and 2020 and by 2018 suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24.’ This effort, funded by the Bloomfield Municipal Alliance Committee, is an attempt to address this trend within the Township and provide resources and support to those who are often left to find answers and assistance on their own.”

All are welcome to attend; membership at Temple Ner Tamid is not required. Interested Bloomfield residents can make a confidential call or email to Rabbi Katz to get more information or join: 401-323-1532 / rabbi@nertamid.org.

“Providing education for adults and families on issues affecting our youth’s mental health, how to support those navigating these challenges, and what resources are available will help improve access to care and support young people’s emotional well-being,” Mayor Michael Venezia said.

“We are prioritizing the youth in our township that may be struggling and making sure their parents and caregivers do not feel alone or ill equipped in helping their children,” Venezia said. “I’m glad to have a space for those struggling to come and get the support they need.”

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