One Voice of Hunterdon receives Proclamation
One Voice of Hunterdon was honored to receive a proclamation from the County Commissioners on May 6, recognizing One Voice upon being honored with a national award in Washington, D.C. for efforts in reducing access to prescription drugs and for being selected as the recipient of CADCA's prestigious Blue-Ribbon Coalition in Focus Award. One Voice works collaboratively with the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office and the Partnership for Health, among many others, contributing significantly to the health and safety of the community. Thank you to the County Commissioners for this recognition!
One Voice at Fisherman's Mark Easter Celebration - Lambertville
Fisherman's Mark's Easter celebration was packed with fun! Kids on spring break enjoyed jumping rope and blowing bubbles, filling the air with laughter and joy. The Easter Bunny made a special appearance, hopping by to hand out Easter baskets and plenty of bunny ears for everyone to wear!
Owlbert visits Holland Brook and Whitehouse schools
One Voice Outreach Coordinator Carolanne Sherwood accompanied Owlbert on a visit to Holland Brook School in Readington. He made a lot of new friends during lunch and even did a few dance moves for the students. The message of the day was Be A Buddy Not A Bully! Owlbert really enjoyed reminding students to Make Wise Choices both in school and outside of school.
Owlbert then made a special visit to a student at Whitehouse School who wrote him a persuasive letter as part of an assignment. The message was clear that she wanted Owlbert to come for one last visit before the end of the school year. In response to a very well written letter by the first-grade student, Owlbert decided to make one last surprise appearance in Mrs. Mielke’s first grade class. The student was surprised and overjoyed that Owlbert was persuaded! We had so much fun at Whitehouse School!
Islamic Center of Hunterdon County - Parenting & Youth Mental Health
April 27, 2025
Islamic Center of Hunterdon County - Parenting & Youth Mental Health
Thank you to the Islamic Center of Hunterdon County (ICHC) for such a warm welcome as we had the opportunity to educate, engage and unite over 60 parents and teens in the topic of substance use prevention and youth mental wellness. Through a fun trivia game, we covered important topics such as the 911 Lifeline Legislation, 988 Crisis Hotline, fake pills containing fentanyl, and the harms of alcohol, marijuana and vaping nicotine on the developing brain. Finally, we reinforced one of the best protective factors for families, an active faith life, and the importance of spiritual prescriptions such as prayer in times of pain. Everyone received a spiritual prescription bottle and prevention bag with lifesaving materials. We look forward to continuing this partnership in prevention!
Hunterdon Health - Take Your Child to Work Day
April 24, 2025
Hunterdon Health - Take Your Child to Work Day
As a community outreach partner, One Voice was excited to participate in Hunterdon Health's - Take Your Child to Work Day! Lesley Gabel, Peggy Dowd, Amy Torres and Owlbert were on hand to spread the message about making wise choices, for both our physical and mental health needs. Prevention topics such as the harmful chemicals found in vapes, breathing exercises to relieve stress, 911 Lifeline Legislation and 988 Crisis Hotline were covered, and over 130 kids had a chance to write or draw as we brainstormed examples of daily wise choices.
Thanks to Kim Blanda, Luz Eaton and the staff at Hunterdon Health for the opportunity to share so many positive preventions messages.
Salvation Army Visit
April 9, 2025
Owlbert made a visit to the kids at The Salvation Army during our weekly program reminding the kids to Make Wise Choices.
One Voice Coalition Meeting
April 14, 2025 - One Voice Coalition Meeting
Thanks to our One Voice Steering Committee for their valuable time and input at our April Coalition meeting. We are grateful to Al Bassetti - Director of Emergency Services at Hunterdon Health for an insightful discussion on youth mental health trends, prevention and recovery, such as crisis intervention training (peer to peer). Human contact, through family, friendships and community relationships are the best protective factor. Our next meeting will focus on securing alcohol in the home to prevent underage use. We look forward to working together to bring all of the community expertise and ideas to fruition to reduce youth substance use.
Our next meeting is set for June 9th 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining the One Voice Coalition Steering Committee, please contact Peggy Dowd at peggy@onevoicehc.com.
Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
April 16, 2025 - Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce presented a Special Recognition Award to the Hunterdon County Partnership for Health in honor of its 30th Anniversary. One Voice of Hunterdon is proud to be a longstanding member of the Partnership for Health. Under the dedicated leadership of Hunterdon HealthCare’s Kim Blanda—Coordinator of the Partnership and Board Chair of One Voice—the organization has successfully prioritized community health needs, including substance use prevention. The Partnership for Health has advanced sustainable solutions and strengthened cross-sector collaboration to improve access to care and overall quality of life. The Partnership remains committed to data-informed strategies and equitable outcomes that make a meaningful difference every day. Congratulations to the Partnership for Health and all its members on this well-deserved recognition.
Open Cupboard Food Pantry Partners in Prevention - March 13, 2025
One Voice Outreach Coordinator Norm Penney worked with Jennifer Tavormina at Open Cupboard Food Pantry and Thrift Shop to provide a new TV which will help deliver wellness messages and provide resources to clients at the OCFP waiting area. Thanks to OCFP for the opportunity to partner in prevention!
Salvation Army - March 12, 2025
Amy Torres continued working with the kids at The Salvation Army on breathwork, and in a unique and fun activity, combined this coping skill with an artistic flare!
The kids enjoyed seeing their creations made by blowing slowly through a straw to make colorful bubbles of paint, which then went onto the paper. Beautiful!
