Mental Health and Addictions Conference scheduled for faith-based leaders

The Faith on the Front Lines event is open to church and religious leaders of all denominations

The Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Gloucester County Department of Health and Human Services and the Gloucester County Addictions Task Force are sponsoring Faith on the Front Lines: Mental Health and Addictions Conference for faith based leaders on Friday, April 7 at Auletto Caterers in Deptford. This free event is open to church and religious leaders of all denominations.

“When an individual is experiencing a personal or family crisis, a place they turn for guidance and support is their religious leaders,” Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said. “This conference aims to give those religious leaders the tools they need to assist their congregation members during difficult times.”

“The more people we have on the front lines in our fight against addictions, the better chance those affected are to succeed,” said Freeholder Jim Jefferson, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “Conference attendees will learn how to counsel someone in crisis, what to say and not to say, and, perhaps most importantly, when and where to refer individuals for additional services.”

Select resource providers will be on hand to provide information.

Space is limited. Religious leaders who wish to register should email rbamford@co.gloucester.nj.us, or call (856) 384–6929 by April 3.