Union County residents can register for a free webinar on addiction recovery and suicide prevention scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The one-hour session, titled "Pathways to Wellness: Navigating the Road to Recovery & Suicide Prevention," runs from noon to 1 p.m. The county's Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse organized the event with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, according to a county press release.

The webinar falls during National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, both observed throughout September. National Recovery Month promotes evidence-based treatment and recovery practices while recognizing the individuals, families and service providers who make recovery possible. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month brings attention to prevention efforts and highlights resources available to people experiencing emotional distress or crisis.

Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek said the event aims to connect residents and families with support.

"Recovery is possible, help is available, and no one should ever feel that they must face a mental health or substance use challenge alone," Bodek said in the Aug. 31 announcement.

Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council, said the webinar is designed to make trusted information easier to find for people who want to help a struggling family member, friend or neighbor but may not know where to turn.

Registration is required. Residents can sign up at ucnj.org/dhs-webinar. The program will also stream on Facebook Live.

For questions, contact the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse at [email protected] or 908-527-4844.

Coming up

Wednesday, Sept. 16, noon to 1 p.m. — "Pathways to Wellness" free webinar on recovery and suicide prevention. Register at ucnj.org/dhs-webinar.

Crisis resources

Anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential support is available around the clock. Online chat is available at 988lifeline.org.

New Jersey residents seeking help with a substance use disorder can also call ReachNJ at 1-844-732-2465, available 24 hours a day.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.