International Overdose Awareness Day is a nationally recognized, significant and meaningful day held every year on August 31st. This remembrance aims to raise global awareness of overdoses and to reduce stigmas associated with drug related deaths. It is also a day to acknowledge the grief of those suffering because of the loss of friends and families who have been affected. According to Center of Disease Control, in 2019 nearly 71,000 Americans died of drug overdoses nationwide and nearly 3,000 in New Jersey alone. Throughout New Jersey and the country, the COVID-19 pandemic is being identified as a contributing factor to the rise in overdoses and overdose deaths we are seeing as a nation this year. International Overdose Awareness Day [...]

Operation Fill-A-Backpack Whether kids head back to school or learn virtually in September, it is more important than ever that students are prepared to start the school year. You can give a child the confidence needed to succeed by making a monetary donation to our Operation Fill-A-Backpack drive! To ensure the health and safety of the families we serve and Oaks employees, we are asking for your support virtually in 2020. Many parents of children in Oaks Integrated Care programs cannot afford new backpacks and basic school supplies. The need for support has skyrocketed during the pandemic for families like Anthony’s… Anthony's Story When you ask five-year-old Anthony if he’s ready to start kindergarten in the fall, he will [...]

It’s no secret that the last few months of navigating the pandemic have been stressful for many people. Even as we begin to venture out more and adjust to “the new normal,” it’s important to recognize that anxiety about COVID-19 is still very real. Stress caused by fear and worry about health, finance concerns, homeschooling and job loss can be overwhelming and emotional. Check out this list of suggestions for adults, children and families to decrease stress compiled by our experts at Oaks and other top resources. Adults Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage about COVID-19. Keep informed but try to limit the amount of news your take in whether it is from social media, television, radio, newspapers or [...]

Early Intervention Support Services (EISS)Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed? Don’t go straight to the Emergency Room. Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) offers immediate access to mental health services for adults 18 years and older in the South Jersey region. Consider it “urgent care” for individuals experiencing emotional or behavioral health problems. Now offering telehealth services!Check out this video featuring our Director, Kate Fischer, interviewing with Marianne Aleardi of SJ Magazine about the impact COVID-19 is having on mental health. They discuss the increase in depression and anxiety people are experiencing during this difficult times, some tips for how to adjust to a new normal and how to access Mental Health Urgent Care.Important COVID-19 UpdateWe are OPEN and accepting new [...]