0:00The most prominent topic of discussion was the Arrive Program, which seeks to address mental health crises in collaboration with mental health professionals. The program is designed to operate twice a month, contingent on officer availability, and has already seen success in multiple towns, with Cranbury receiving priority. The Chief underscored the importance of follow-up care for individuals who may require ongoing support, noting the program’s limitations due to the involvement of multiple towns. This initiative is part of a broader focus on mental health, with preparations for the Teen Mental Health First Aid program commencing on March 11. The program, funded by a grant, will offer classes structured to avoid conflicts with students’ sports commitments. The committee also expressed interest in introducing mental health education to middle school students, noting the disparity in needs between different age groups and the importance of early intervention in light of concerning statistics regarding bullying and violence.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming Jamfest event, scheduled for the following Friday with a “Winter Wonderland” theme. A budget of up to $200 was approved for decorations, and a new group responsible for organizing games was expected to provide successful entertainment. The committee’s focus on community engagement extended to a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, with a community basketball game scheduled for March 4. Local police officers will compete against varsity students, with various groups such as the PTO and cheerleaders involved. The event aims to bring the community together and raise funds, with an entry fee set at $5.

Additionally, the Municipal Alliance discussed methods to disseminate important information to parents, particularly concerning homeowner liability and the appropriate hosting of parties. A pamphlet reviewed during the meeting emphasized tips for preventing underage drinking and promoting safety during gatherings. The potential for distributing this information through town hall, the township website, and the digital backpack was considered.”

34:11The committee also explored the possibility of sharing a public service announcement video during National Drugs and Alcohol Week, focusing on the role of parents in preventing underage drinking and substance abuse. While there was broad agreement on the video’s value, there were concerns about how to incentivize parents to watch it. Members suggested that making the video available without incentives might be more effective, allowing parents to access it when they feel the need.

In addition to these initiatives, the Municipal Alliance is preparing for upcoming webinars on opioid misuse and addiction, scheduled for late February and mid-March. These webinars will provide valuable information and include Narcan training sessions. The committee also discussed preparations for the National Night Out event in August, expressing interest in coordinating a health and wellness pavilion and emphasizing the importance of pre-planning.

50:35The meeting concluded with discussions on various community health programs, including the Princeton Health Community wellness program and a youth mental health first aid class scheduled for March. The committee addressed the logistics of bringing health programs into schools, emphasizing the importance of connections with school officials and the effectiveness of CPR training, as illustrated by a successful incident involving students in South Brunswick.