A Pioneering Spirit
The Otlowski Center: Over 50 Years of Service and Ready for the Future
(Standing, L-R) : County Clerk Pinkin, County Commissioner Tomaro, County Commissioner Director Rios, County Sheriff Scott, County Surrogate Cortes, County Commissioner Kenny; (Seated, L-R): County Commissioner Deputy Director Narra, County Commissioner Azcona-Barber, County Commissioner McCullum, County Commissioner Koppel
2025 Board of County Commissioners Reorganization of the
The George J. Otlowski Sr. Center for Mental Health Care recently unveiled updated facilities, new services, and more in-person programming. This comprehensive community mental health center serves County residents ages 5 and up with an Outpatient Department, Partial Care Program, and Medical Unit. Staffed by experienced mental health and substance abuse professionals — including social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, rehabilitation counselors, psychiatrists, and nurses — the Otlowski Center offers treatment for a wide range of emotional disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, marital and family issues, and other problems of daily living.
“Since long before mental health became a national crisis, Middlesex County has been a pioneer in investing and prioritizing mental health services in this region,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “The Otlowski Center is one of few in New Jersey that provides comprehensive services and programs to those struggling mentally. It’s more than a safe and effective place for care, it offers patients and families the hope and light they desperately need.” Thanks to the robust partnership between Middlesex County, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Middlesex College, the Otlowski Center will also offer specialized training, coursework, and internships in mental healthcare. These opportunities will help pave the way for future healthcare professionals, ensuring Middlesex County continues its legacy of promoting education and wellness. Future plans for the Center include a health clinic, onsite pharmacy, and clinical testing laboratory. For more information about the Otlowski Center, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov and search “Otlowski Center” or call 732-376-6789 today to schedule an appointment. To connect with resources, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/support or call 732-745-3810 to speak with a Behavioral Health Navigator.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners held its annual Reorganization Meeting at the Middlesex College Performing Arts Center. The event brought together distinguished guests, including Governor Phil Murphy and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, alongside an au dience of local officials, community leaders, and reside nts. The evening featured the swearing-in ceremonies for Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios and Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra. In his address, Rios celebrated the County’s use of innovation and collaboration to improve the quality of life of all residents.
“In 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to innovate and lead by constantly looking for new and better ways to serve our residents and business community,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. For event highlights, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/Reorg .
THE CENTER INCLUDES A VAST NETWORK OF SERVICES SUCH AS:
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
FAMILY AND MARRIAGE COUNSELING
Hello Innovation, Meet Possibility.
GROUP THERAPY
AND MORE
TELEHEALTH
Innovators look at challenges and see possibilities where others see problems. They confront challenges head-on, explore potential solutions, and courageously pursue them. In 2024, the County launched initiatives designed to further enhance residents’ quality of life. Through strategic investments and new and ongoing partnerships in the public and private sectors and across all industries, the County continues working to sustain and grow a robust economy — one that enables Middlesex County to provide the programs and services its residents rely on, while also building and supporting a healthy environment for businesses and entrepreneurs. Middlesex County is actively creating the future its residents want and deserve — in 2025 and beyond.
Forward-thinkers have always chosen Middlesex County as the place to explore ideas and make bold moves. This is where Thomas Edison invented the incandescent lightbulb and where pharmaceutical pioneers Johnson& Johnson built their global headquarters. It continues to be a hotbed for innovators, with entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established companies electing to base their operations in Middlesex County — including, most recently, Nokia Bell Labs’ East Coast R&D hub. Why are innovators choosing Middlesex County? Because innovation is part of the County’s DNA, a core characteristic that is evident to all. From investments in education and infrastructure, to the ways it conceives of,
The Otlowski Center is named in honor of former County Freeholder Director George J. Otlowski, Sr., a dedicated mental healthcare advocate who helped obtain funding for the facility when it first opened as the Raritan Bay Mental Health Center in 1970. Otlowski’s advocacy led to Middlesex County developing a mental health support system that is as diverse as the community it serves.
launches, and administers programs and services, innovation permeates everything the County does.
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4 Your Middlesex | 2025 Issue 1
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