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Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

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Lawrence, NJ
Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

Creating pathways to reduce substance-related challenges through education, advocacy and partnership.

06/08/2026

🚨 EMTs and Paramedics: What if the most important thing you do on a call takes only five minutes?

Every day, EMS professionals encounter individuals experiencing substance use, behavioral health crises, and other vulnerable moments. While emergency care saves lives, a brief conversation can also help spark recovery.

That's the idea behind Five Minutes to Help—an evidence-based training designed specifically for first responders.

In just one half-day session with CEUs, you'll learn practical skills to:

✅ Build trust through stigma-free communication
✅ Apply harm reduction principles
✅ Recognize readiness for change
✅ Use brief motivational interviewing techniques
✅ Support your own resilience and well-being

📅 July 23, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Mercer Council Headquarters
1931 Brunswick Avenue
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

This training is ideal for EMTs, paramedics, EMS supervisors, and agency leaders committed to improving patient outcomes and strengthening community connections.

🎯 Register today:
https://njdoh.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8vx2yvvOpC3yIui

📧 Questions? Contact EMS Patient Navigator Neil Tucker at [email protected]

A life-saving intervention doesn't always require medication, equipment, or transport. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation.

Please share with your EMS colleagues and agencies.

06/03/2026

🚨 First responders have a unique opportunity to not only save lives but also to plant seeds of change and hope for recovery.

Every crisis call holds the potential to be a turning point. We are thrilled to launch our new training program, The Five Minutes to Help, specifically built to help emergency personnel maximize the impact of even the briefest encounters.

🚑 Turning Crisis Into Recovery
First responders operate on the front lines of vulnerable moments. This evidence-based program equips teams with tactical, compassionate communication strategies to connect with patients deeply and quickly.

💡 Core Pillars of the Training:
Stigma-Free Approaches: Learn to interact with patients without judgment to build immediate trust.
Harm Reduction Principles: Focus on practical, life-saving strategies that meet patients exactly where they are.
Stages of Change: Understand a patient’s internal readiness to map out effective next steps.

Motivational Interviewing: Master brief behavioral intervention techniques that trigger internal desire for recovery.
Responder Self-Care: Prioritize reflection and mental wellness so responders can sustain their empathy and effectiveness long-term.

🔗 Ready to bring this program to your agency? Click the link send us a message to schedule a training session. https://www.mercercouncil.org/programs-services/request-services/

06/02/2026

📣 Now Enrolling: CRAFT Program at Mercer Council

Are you worried about a loved one's substance use and unsure how to help?

Our CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) Program provides practical, evidence-based tools to help family members and friends encourage positive change while improving their own well-being.

✨ Learn effective communication skills
✨ Build healthier relationships
✨ Gain support from experienced professionals
✨ Discover strategies that work

Space is limited. Register today and take the first step toward hope, healing, and positive change.

📞 Contact Mercer Council for enrollment information.

05/22/2026

This week, our agency came together for a retreat focused on something foundational: culture.

We spent time exploring the behaviors that move us closer to a truly collaborative culture — and the behaviors that can quietly sabotage it. Through honest conversations, reflection, and shared experiences, we challenged ourselves to think intentionally about how we show up for one another and for the people we serve.

What stood out most was the energy in the room: a real sense of play, curiosity, openness, and collaboration. Those moments reminded me that strong cultures aren’t built through policies alone — they’re built through relationships and the willingness to learn together.

Grateful to be part of a team open to growing not just what we do, but how we do it.

04/22/2026

Mercer Council is proud to recognize the impactful community work of Victoria McCann in her role as Coalition Coordinator.

Victoria recently presented to the Lawrence Township Council, helping raise awareness about the Synar Amendment, a critical federal law passed in 1992 that requires states to enforce restrictions on youth access to to***co. The goal is clear: reduce illegal sales to minors and keep the retail violation rate low. Victoria requested that Lawrence Township consider raising the fines and fees to help enforce the restrictions on youth access to to***co.

We’re grateful for leaders like Victoria who are committed to protecting youth and strengthening our communities through education and advocacy.

04/20/2026

If you attended Mercer Council's 2025 International Overdose Awareness Day event as a guest, volunteer, or vendor - we would love to hear from you!

Please take a brief moment to complete our feedback survey as we begin preparing for IOAD 2026.

Prevention Coalition of Mercer County

04/15/2026

We are proud to celebrate Catherine Arulmohan, Mercer Council’s Director of Operations, on being honored with the NJAMHAA Diamond Courage & Compassion Award for Outstanding Behind the Scenes Supporter.

Catherine’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission have made a lasting impact not only within our organization but across the community we serve. Her work, often carried out behind the scenes, has been instrumental in strengthening our programs and supporting our team so that they can continue their work in the community.

This recognition is a testament to Catherine’s compassion, integrity, and tireless efforts to make a difference every day.

Please join us in congratulating Catherine on this well-deserved honor and thanking her for the meaningful work she continues to do for our community.

03/30/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Mercer Council's Director of Operations, Catherine Arulmohan, on receiving the Outstanding Behind the Scenes Supporter Award from the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies!

To learn more about Catherine, our award-winning teammate, go to https://www.mercercouncil.org/about-us/staff/

Learn more about the Evolving Behavioral Health: Advancing Together Spring Conference through Home.

02/27/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of The Honorable Russell W. Annich, Jr., who died on February 14, 2026, in Skillman, New Jersey.

Russ served on our Board of Directors from 2009 to 2022. During that time, he provided steady guidance, thoughtful input, and principled leadership that helped strengthen and shape our organization in meaningful ways.
Several board members have shared reflections on the impact Russ had during his years of service. Deborah Dunn noted, “Judge Annich was an honorable man. I had the privilege of serving with him on the board of MCADA for many years, where he did not speak often, but when he did, his words carried weight. He was wise, measured, and steady, offering guidance that was thoughtful and grounded. His presence alone elevated the room, and his counsel will be deeply missed.”

In my own conversations with Russ, he expressed a genuine dedication to the communities we serve and to the importance of our mission. His contributions extended far beyond governance; he was a trusted advisor, a respectful collaborator, and a source of continuity and strength for both our Board and staff, including Lance Liverman, who served with him. Catherine Arulmohan, Operations Director, also shared that Russ consistently helped shape and refine our board practices, ensuring our work was well‑documented and aligned with our long‑term goals.

We are sincerely grateful for his years of dedication and the legacy of leadership he leaves behind. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.

11/26/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from the Team at Mercer Council!

This season, we are deeply grateful for our community clients, our collaborative partners, and our government funders and representatives. Your trust and support make our mission possible every day.

As we continue working to prevent addiction and support wellness across Mercer County, we invite you to consider a holiday donation to help strengthen our impact. Learn more or contribute at www.mercercouncil.org.

Thank you for being part of our community. 🧡
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and peaceful Thanksgiving!

Address

1931 Brunswick Avenue
Lawrence, NJ
08648

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16093965874

Website

https://www.mercercouncil.org/

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