Caldwell Recovery Center to Host Suicide Prevention Panel at Millburn HS

Inya Chehadé, the CEO of The Bridge, a recovery center in Caldwell, will be moderating a suicide prevention and awareness panel at Millburn High School at 7 p.m. on Sept.10, sponsored by the Millburn-Short Hills Kiwanis Club in conjunction with the Millburn High School PTO. Guest speakers include representatives from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Contact We Care and The Trevor Project. This event is open to the community. For more information, please contact Kathleen Estes at 973-912-8357.

In New Jersey, one in five people have a mental health disorder (MHD) and nearly one million people have a substance use disorder (SUD), yet access to treatment remains woefully low. Less than 30 percent of adults in need of mental health services are able to access care and less than 7 percent of the people with SUD are able to get into treatment.

Despite these facts, everyday people can and do recover from mental health and substance use disorders. September is National Recovery Month, which focuses on observance of the profound gains made by those in recovery from these conditions. We recognize these strides just as we would those who improve from other health conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Each September, thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs celebrate their success.

The unfortunate death of famed actor and comedian Robin Williams showed us all what it is like to lose someone due to a crisis. However, this tragedy also taught us an important lesson – that substance use and mental health disorders are often chronic and recurring, requiring ongoing support, services and treatments. Knowing where to turn and understanding what services may be available can be critical to helping a loved one in crisis, when time is of the essence.
The Bridge provides many services to our community.

We help children, adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other significant challenges. Our outpatient counseling program helps those individuals that are in relapse and working through continuing recovery. We also work with individuals who are in need of support for various addictions including alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances.

As one of The Bridge’s former clients recently shared, “The Bridge’s unassuming building in Caldwell, New Jersey has both memories and lessons for me that will last a lifetime. If not for the commitment of the staff at The Bridge, I would have already died a very lonely death due to alcohol abuse. The Bridge has a group of amazing people who make this world a better place.”

“Robin Williams’ death has once again shed a light onto the great need for ongoing access to services, treatment and other recovery supports that can help an individual maintain his or her recovery,” Ellie White said. “The Bridge is one of those resources – we are here for our community and we want to continue to be of service to those in need. With 50,000 NJ residents enrolling in the Medicaid Expansion program, we anticipate even greater demands for our type of services in the future.”

Information courtesy of Elinor White, Office Manager, The Bridge