A $78,930 federal grant to help fund suicide prevention efforts at Ocean County College (OCC) was announced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today.

            “This federal grant will help students who are struggling with various kinds of stress and pressures of college life,” said Rep. Smith. “The programs funded by this grant will help Ocean County College in its efforts to serve its students who may need help coping through the college’s Ocean WAVES initiative.”

            “This grant is timely, because September is not only back-to-school time, but also Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness and help address the issue of preventing suicide,” Smith said.

            OCC President Dr. Pamela J. Monaco said: "We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will enable us to enhance our mental health and wellness services and expand the programs that support our most vulnerable students. As Ocean County's community college, many of our students are working, taking care of their families, and juggling other school and life activities while pursuing their degrees. The GLS grant provides OCC with the opportunity to strengthen the connections between our students and the resources they need to successfully complete their studies. We are grateful to Congressman Smith for working hard to support the students of Ocean County."

            The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service Grant was awarded by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Center for Mental Health Services. It will pay for services between Sept. 30, 2023, and Sept. 29, 2026. The funding was awarded to fund the college’s Ocean WAVES—We Ask, Verify Empathize and Support Suicide Prevention.

            Congress established the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 1992 to make information, services, and research on substance abuse/substance use and mental health more accessible. SAMHSA, operating under HHS, leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. SAMHSA reports that in 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes, and that suicide is a leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years.

            SAMHSA operates the HHS 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, including the 2023 addition of nationwide American Sign Language services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Over the past year, the 988 Lifeline has received more than 5.5 million calls, texts, and chats.  If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available—call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

Suicide Prevention Resources listed by the U.S. Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration:

·         The U.S. Surgeon General's Protecting Youth Mental Health Advisory (PDF | 1 MB)

·         SAMHSA's Suicide Prevention Publications

·         Substance Use Treatment Locator

·         Advisory: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Use Treatment (Jan. 2021)

            If you or someone you know needs help regarding addiction and mental health services, you can call the Ocean County Health Department at 732-341-9700, or the Monmouth County Ocean County Health Department at 732-431-7456.  For additional information about some local providers’ services, you can also visit their websites, including organizations that have received federal support, such as: Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Lakewood Community Service Corporation, CPC Behavioral Healthcare or CFC Loud N Clear Foundation.

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