Your wellbeing
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES HEALTH POLICY EDUCATION LAW ENFORCEMENT
STATE OF THE COUNTY 2023 “As public servants, we on the Board never lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose and function of government is to serve the people,” County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios affirmed during his annual State of the County address. Rios dedicated his address to highlighting programs and initiatives specifically focused on investing in the quality of life of every County resident, including those that are creating jobs, bolstering the education system, creating more convenient ways to travel, tackling challenges related to behavioral health, and broadening facilities dedicated to sports, entertainment, and culture. Below are excerpts from his speech.
Calling it one of the “defining issues of our time,” County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios and the Board of County Commissioners assembled behavioral health experts for a Behavioral Health Roundtable and Workshop event in May. The event included a panel discussion featuring leaders in healthcare; mental health services; substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery; health policy; education; and law enforcement, as well as workshops on specific topics related to behavioral health. Rios addressed the crowded theater, describing the crisis as one that “knows no boundaries.” “This Behavioral Health Roundtable event is the first step on what is sure to be a long journey, but one that I believe can lead to success – if only we work together,” said Rios. “Ultimately, we are committed to providing more support to our Department of Community Services, and to all those in our community who do tremendous work in this field every day.” County Faces Behavioral Health Crisis Head-On
New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin also addressed the audience. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy delivered the event’s keynote. “Mental health is an issue I care deeply about, especially now when so many people throughout our nation are struggling with mental health challenges. That’s why I have made youth mental health the main focus of my work as the Chair of the National Governors Association and why my Administration continuously strives to meet the mental health needs of New Jersey residents,” said Murphy. “I commend every individual and organization working to address the mental health crisis in our state for their efforts to help heal our children, our families, and our communities as a whole. I remain committed to supporting and working alongside our dedicated partners in these ongoing efforts.”
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“ “ CIO Our Community, Innovation, and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan will reimagine the Middlesex College campus to ensure it meets the needs of today’s – and tomorrow’s ― students.
SUPPORTING DIVERSE BUSINESSES
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH There is a nationwide mental health crisis. It is a crisis that knows no boundaries. People of all ages, genders, races, and economic circumstances are affected, including so many right here in Middlesex County. People are suffering, and many are turning to substances to cope. Mental health issues and substance use disorders are often ― although not always ― connected, and this program will help ensure our residents who are battling these issues… or who have loved ones who are… receive the support they need. Our behavioral health initiative will identify gaps in current behavioral health services… and seek to fill those gaps through grants, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities.”
We often say we are building a brighter future for all of Middlesex County, we mean we are building that future with union labor… as well as with a diverse workforce that more accurately reflects our County population. To that end, earlier this month, my colleagues and I were proud to adopt a resolution to set aside, or otherwise allocate, 20% of the dollar value of all County contracts for goods and services in a fiscal year to minority-, women-, veteran-owned, and small businesses.” FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY Robust fiscal health is the result of deliberate, strategic decisions made with the County’s long-term economic stability and success in mind. This is evident in our recently adopted County budget which sets a strong foundation for the present and our future. For example, in 2023, the County’s Surplus Fund increased to $101 million. And, since 2013, we have reduced total County debt by 43%.”
It will transform the campus into a regional destination for academics, athletics, and the arts.” TRANSPORTATION Another way we can grow responsibly is by prioritizing infrastructure investments which will make it easier for our residents to get to and from their existing jobs. For instance, the County, through the MCIA, in partnership with NJTRANSIT, is spearheading the modernization of the New Brunswick Train Station and the construction of the North Brunswick Train Station. These projects ― both located on the vital Northeast Corridor train line ― will ensure County residents have safe, reliable public transit options to connect them with career, cultural, and educational opportunities in and out of the County.”
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Middlesex County Partners with Rutgers Athletics
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Continuing the momentum around the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, Middlesex County and Rutgers Athletics have entered into a letter
“We are delighted to partner with Middlesex County to bring Big Ten baseball to this fantastic new facility,” said Rutgers Athletic Director Pat Hobbs. “Steve Owens and his staff have done a tremendous job developing the players in our baseball program both on and off the field. This new chapter with Middlesex County will only help Coach Owens and his team continue their pursuit of Big Ten championships and more. We will continue to explore other ways we can partner with the County, but this is a great first step. I want to thank everyone at the county, state, and university level who made this opportunity possible.” This partnership is also intended to create new educational pathways for Middlesex College students. As the largest feeder college to Rutgers University, the County is exploring enhanced access to Rutgers’ curricula, invaluable mentorship opportunities, and the potential for expanded shared educational programming.
of intent, solidifying a partnership with the Scarlet Knight baseball program, spanning three to five years. This collaboration will designate the future Multipurpose Community Venue located on Middlesex College’s campus as a home field for Rutgers baseball, beginning with the 2026 season. “Our deep relationship with Rutgers University continues to grow and strengthen with this new partnership with Rutgers Athletics,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “The County’s strong fiscal position, coupled with the opportunity of significant state and federal investment in the CIO Strategic Investment Plan, gives us the advantage to seize crucial opportunities like this for the benefit of our residents and partners like Rutgers University. This is just the beginning of many more transformative and innovative changes at Middlesex College and in our County.”
County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra speaks with attendees at the 2023 State of the County
County elected officials and representatives from Rutgers Athletics and Middlesex College gather to announce the partnership
4 Your Middlesex | 2023 Issue 2
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