Skirmishes are breaking out at statehouses across the U.S. over how to pay

for a new suicide hotline. The new 988 number is set to launch in July following the Federal Communications Commission’s approval in 2020. The three-digit code will replace the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 1-800-273-LIFE number, which routes calls to a network of local counseling centers. State officials are weighing whether to impose new fees on consumers’ phone bills to pay for 988 and expand mental-health crisis services.

New Jersey's COVID-19 moratorium on utility shutoffs has been extended to March 15, 2022. If you or someone you know needs help paying utility bills, apply at https://bit.ly/DCAIDportal or call 1-800-510-3102. Visit www.housinghelpnj.org or call 888-691-3002 for more information.

Governor Murphy yesterday signed legislation (S-2559) that extends for the next two years the requirement adopted at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic that health benefits plans reimburse health care providers for telehealth and telemedicine services at the same rate as in-person services, with limited exceptions.

In one of his last moves as state Senate president, Steve Sweeney on Monday refused to post a resolution extending Gov. Phil Murphy’s pandemic-related emergency powers in a final disagreement with a governor with whom he‘s often battled over the past four years.

Students in New Jersey schools next year will learn about the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, if Gov. Phil Murphy signs a bill the Senate passed unanimously Monday. Activists who have pushed for such representation in school curriculum applauded the Legislature for its “bold and timely leadership” at a time when New Jersey’s Asian American population is growing — and as anti-Asian racism has risen too. The bill passed in the Assembly last month. Murphy has until Jan. 18 to sign it.

New Jersey lawmakers passed legislation Monday intended to expand access to safe-syringe sites for people struggling with drug addiction. Gov. Phil Murphy now has until Jan. 18 to sign the bill, which would allow nonprofits, health care providers, and other entitities to open harm reduction centers, with approval from the state health commissioner — and allow only the commissioner to close them. Current law permits only municipalities to open such centers.

For almost two years, most mental health counselors have been inundated with increased caseloads by people suffering from depression, anxiety and a host of other ailments brought on or exacerbated by the pandemic. Now the new, highly contagious omicron variant is causing further problems. As has been seen in other health care settings, omicron has begun to deplete some mental health professionals who were still giving in-person counseling.

Even before the death of George Floyd in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department in 2020 prompted police departments across the country to rethink how to improve relations with the community, Bridgewater was exploring a pilot program for its officers to work with social workers to provide aid and support to at-risk individuals before an ongoing situation escalates to police intervention or arrests.

Staying connected with the community, adding mental health programs and services, and cultural enrichment and recreation will be the focus of the Union County Board of Commissioners in 2022. Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams announced the initiatives during the county’s reorganization meeting on Thursday where she was selected as board chair.