Morris County continues to set an example for proactive mental health and substance abuse intervention with programs designed to meet residents where they are. The Community Connections Program, in collaboration with Hope One, recently visited Roxbury Municipal Court to provide critical mental health and recovery resources to individuals in need. The outreach emphasized education, prevention, and direct support, demonstrating the county’s commitment to combining public safety with compassionate care.
During the event, residents and court attendees were informed about available mental health and recovery services, while lifesaving Narcan kits were distributed to those at risk, their families, and concerned community members. Narcan, an easy-to-use nasal spray capable of reversing opioid overdoses, continues to be a vital tool in the fight against the opioid crisis. By the conclusion of the court visit, six Narcan kits had been handed out to court staff and attendees, equipping more community members to respond to emergencies.
“This program continues to grow and evolve,” said Morris County Commissioner Douglas Cabana, who serves as liaison to the Department of Law and Public Safety. “Our goal is simple — to help people, wherever they need assistance.” Judge Ira A. Cohen of Roxbury Township Municipal Court also commended the initiative, noting the importance of bringing support services directly to those navigating the justice system.
Sheriff James M. Gannon, the driving force behind both Hope One and Community Connections, highlighted the transformative impact of meeting individuals in their own environments. “Whether it’s on the street, in a courthouse, or during a crisis, we have the opportunity to change lives,” he said. “These programs exemplify what can happen when public safety partners collaborate with social services with empathy and focus.”
Launched in 2017, Hope One operates mobile units across Morris County, offering immediate access to recovery support and mental health services. Since its inception, Hope One has engaged with the community more than 66,000 times and distributed over 12,000 Narcan kits, underscoring its essential role in overdose prevention and community outreach.
Community Connections, initiated in 2021, specifically assists individuals facing municipal or state court charges, connecting them to mental health services, recovery resources, and social service benefits. Working in close coordination with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Superior Court, and Probation Services, including Recovery Court, the program has helped over 700 participants access the support they need to take meaningful steps toward recovery and stability.
Residents struggling with mental health challenges, substance abuse, or those recently involved with the justice system can access help through Hope One’s mobile units or by contacting the Morris County Community Connections Program. The initiative represents a model for how law enforcement, public safety officials, and social services can collaborate to provide life-saving support, foster resilience, and strengthen the community as a whole.
For more information on mental health resources, recovery services, and wellness programs across the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey Health & Wellness.
Morris County’s approach demonstrates that when outreach is paired with compassion, education, and actionable resources, communities thrive, lives are saved, and hope is made tangible for those who need it most.
