By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that on Tuesday, October 29, in a ceremony held at the George J. Sr. Otlowski Center for Mental Health Care in Perth Amboy, Middlesex County leaders and partners, including Hackensack Merdian Health and Middlesex College, gathered for a tour of the newly renovated facility.
Managed by Hackensack Meridian Health, the mental health center offers new services and is welcoming back in-person programming, County officials stated. Future plans for the facility include an on-site pharmacy to improve access to medications, increase adherence rates, and provide convenience to staff while meeting privacy concerns in a trusted environment.
Additionally, officials say a clinical laboratory is expected to be developed to aid in testing clients for appropriate blood levels of therapeutic medication and administering drug screenings in real-time. Medical health screening offices will also be available to all of the Center’s clients and the public.
Officials celebrating the new and improved center were Middlesex Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios; Deputy Director of the Board of County Commissioners Shanti Narra; Hackensack Meridian Health Executive Vice-President for Behavioral Health Kenneth Esser; Middlesex College President Mark McCormick; Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex); Middlesex County Department Head of Community Services Meghan Davey; and the George J. Sr. Otlowski Mental Health Center’s Executive Director Dr. Joseph Kadian.
“Long before mental health became a national crisis, Middlesex County has been a pioneer in investing and prioritizing mental health services in this region,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“This center is one of few in New Jersey that provides comprehensive services and programs to those struggling mentally. It’s more than a safe and effective place for care, it offers patients and families the hope and light they desperately need.”
“We know that mental health is health,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel Azcona-Barber and Chair of Community Services.
“Hackensack Meridian Health has been committed to meeting the growing and ever-changing mental health needs of our community,” said Kenneth Esser, Executive Vice-President for Behavioral Health at Hackensack Meridian Health.
“The upgraded and expanded services being offered at the George Otlowski Center for Mental Health Care also reflect the premium we at Hackensack Meridian Health place on ensuring that people who are struggling have more treatment options and improved access to world-class care. We continue to implement ways to make the journey to a better tomorrow smoother and more supportive for people who need help by offering conveniences such as the on-site pharmacy and a broad range of mental health professionals. We are proud to provide these services with partners such as Middlesex County leadership who share our commitment to top-quality mental health care.”
“Middlesex College is proud to serve the residents and businesses of Middlesex County. The College’s Workforce Development team works closely with Middlesex County and major healthcare employers like Hackensack Meridian Health to meet the healthcare needs of Middlesex County,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick.
“For over 50 years, this facility has provided crucial, compassionate care from world-class professionals,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex).
“Now, with the support of Hackensack Meridian, Middlesex County, and the State, we can look forward to even greater benefits for the community. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made as a state to remove any stigma surrounding mental healthcare, as well as our law to ensure parity of coverage for mental healthcare. The renewal and expansion of the Otlowski Center is a perfect example of that progress and the effectiveness of partnerships in this work.”
With the reopening, the County previewed a workforce partnership between Hackensack Meridian Health and Middlesex College, creating educational pathways for students to access hands-on training and internships at the Otlowski Center. To be formally announced in the near future, the partnership will include expanded coursework at Middlesex College and new curricula for students to explore mental health careers and opportunities, namely as Health Care Techs.
According to Middlesex County officials, the George J. Otlowski, Sr. Center for Mental Health Care is a comprehensive community mental health center located at 570 Lee Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County.
The Center has an Outpatient Department, a Partial Care Program, and a Medical Unit, County officials said. It offers treatment for a wide range of emotional disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, marital and family issues, and other problems of daily living.
County authorities stated the center serves Middlesex County residents ages five and up. The staff are experienced mental health and substance abuse professionals, including social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, rehabilitation counselors, psychiatrists, and nurses.
Officials say residents can call 732-376-6789 or visit middlesexcountynj.gov and search for “Otlowski Center” to book an appointment.
For Middlesex County residents seeking help, Behavioral Health Navigators provide free support to those who are dealing with mental health and substance use disorders, officials said. These Behavioral Health Navigators offer a human touch and step-by-step guidance to direct you or your loved ones to access behavioral health support and trusted resources. If you prefer, residents can remain anonymous; call 732-745-3810.
Authorities say for more behavioral health and mental health resources, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/support.
