September was filled with community, prevention and connection at Mental Health Association (MHA). From strengthening crisis response and addressing emerging public health concerns to supporting recovery and celebrating the dedicated people who make our work possible, our team continued to come together with partners, individuals, families, and communities across New Jersey.
One Year of ARRIVE Together in Morris County
This year marked an important milestone for the Morris County ARRIVE Together Program, a partnership between MHA, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and local law enforcement. The program brings mental health professionals into crisis response, helping connect individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges with appropriate support and resources.
ARRIVE Together pairs law enforcement officers with MHA mental health professionals to respond to individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health crises. Clinicians provide de-escalation, assess immediate needs, and connect individuals and families with appropriate treatment, support, and community-based resources. As of August 5, 2026, Morris County had recorded 3,669 ARRIVE interactions, the highest number of any county in New Jersey.
Raising Awareness Around Nitrous Oxide Misuse
Congressman Tom Kean Jr. who brought together first responders, medical professionals, nonprofit leaders, local officials, and community members for an important conversation about preventing the misuse of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, sometimes known as “laughing gas” or Galaxy Gas, is far from harmless. Misuse can have serious and potentially deadly health consequences, particularly for young people.
Our CEO Robert N. Davison joined the roundtable to share the importance of raising awareness and limiting access to these dangerous products: “Congressman Kean is right to raise this important public health issue. Nitrous Oxide abuse is a serious problem, impacting many families and most of all, young people. Limiting its access and raising awareness about its negative and potentially deadly effects are important first steps in this important conversation.”
Congressman Kean’s bipartisan MANNARINO Act aims to address recreational access to nitrous oxide and prevent future tragedies.
MHA is proud to be part of conversations that bring education, prevention, and community action to the forefront of public health.
Supporting Recovery and Remembering Those We’ve Lost
September also provided an opportunity to reflect during Addiction Awareness and Recovery Month. MHA’s Substance Use Recovery and Empowerment (SURE) program joined community partners for Morris County’s Overdose Awareness Day, including the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One Van, to honor the lives lost to substance use and fentanyl poisoning.
The event served as an important reminder that addiction affects individuals, families, and entire communities, and that reducing stigma and connecting people with support are essential parts of recovery. Through SURE, MHA provides individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns with services including individual and group therapy, family counseling, education, assessments, and medication management.
Celebrating the People Behind the Work
While September was filled with important conversations and community initiatives, we also made time to celebrate the people who make MHA’s mission possible.
Throughout the month, MHA hosted Employee Appreciation Breakfasts at locations across the organization. These gatherings gave staff an opportunity to come together, enjoy a meal, and recognize the dedication and hard work they bring to their roles every day.
Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Whether they are responding to a crisis, supporting someone in recovery, connecting an individual with resources, advocating for better mental health services, or working behind the scenes to keep our programs running, their commitment makes a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve.
Continuing the Work Together
September highlighted what is possible when people and organizations come together around a shared commitment to mental health, recovery, prevention, and community well-being.
As we move into the final months of the year, MHA remains committed to building partnerships, expanding access to support, reducing stigma, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to heal, recover, and thrive. We are grateful to our employees, community partners, advocates, and everyone who continues to stand with us in this work.