Burlington Review

Burlington County recently unveiled its latest initiative to enhance mental health and substance use prevention services with the introduction of Hope One for Youth, a specialized mobile outreach unit catering to children and teens in the county.

Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson emphasized the importance of mental health, stating, “Individuals with mental health conditions deserve support and care, not stigma and shame.” The Hope One for Youth unit aims to bring education and resources directly into communities and schools to assist those in need or at-risk.

Hope One for Youth will feature specialists from the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the Burlington County Municipal Alliance, who will engage with local schools, youth group meetings, houses of worship, and community events to provide education on mental health, substance use prevention, emotional well-being, and stigma reduction.

The unit will utilize interactive tabletop games and iPad apps to educate children, teenagers, and parents on various topics such as conflict resolution, anger management, resiliency, mindfulness, and logic. The initiative is supported by a $300,000 federal grant and is an extension of the successful Hope One Mobile Outreach Unit, which has provided assistance to over 4,100 individuals in the past year.

State Senator Troy Singleton commended the expansion of the program, noting the increasing need for mental health services for children and teens. As he stated, “The mental health of children and teens is a very real public health issue that demands us to take action and provide resources.”

Assemblyman Herb Conaway expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of early identification and treatment for mental health challenges. He added, “I’m very pleased to see the County extend the reach of its services to get everywhere they can possibly be to find someone who might be suffering.”

The Hope One for Youth unit is part of Burlington County's broader efforts to combat the opioid crisis, including initiatives to eliminate stigma surrounding substance use disorders and mental illnesses. The County has also distributed Overdose Emergency kits containing Naloxone to high schools and libraries, as well as collaborated on programs like Camp Cardinal, a free day-camp for children impacted by substance use disorder.

Commissioner Hopson emphasized the County's commitment to providing resources and assistance to combat substance use disorder, stating, “Substance use disorder is a disease that can be beaten and Burlington County is providing help, support and hope to those who are battling it.”