Student Assistance Resources
Ms. Melissa Padilla supports students in school by providing confidential intervention services to students with personal concerns, including, but not limited to: alcohol/ drug use, stress, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bullying, problems with peers, grief, and/or crisis. Confidential referrals to local providers are made upon request.
Email: mpadilla@buena.k12.nj.us
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.
NJ Mental Health Resources
- NJ Mental Health Cares - operated by the Mental Health Association in NJ offers help to people dealing with anxiety and worry related to the COVID-19 outbreak. New Jersey residents can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support or text ‘NJHOPE to 51684’ This help line offers multilingual services and is available 7 days per week 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. (Solicite apoyo emocional gratuito de personal capacitado. 1-866-202-4357)
- The Mental Health Association in NJ is hosting many on line supports and learning opportunities related to mental health and COVID. A calendar of virtual groups and supports are available from NJ Hope and Healing
- NJ Suicide Prevention Hopeline 1-855-654-6735. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist.Text us 24/7 at njhopeline@ubhc.rutgers.edu.
- NJ Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline Call 988
- PerformCare 1-877-652-7624
- MentalHealth.Gov - for Parents & Caregivers
- Child Mind Institute
Substance Abuse Information and Resources
Per the BRHS Student Handbook, Buena Regional High School does not tolerate the possession, use, or distribution of any controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Students who are suspected as being under the influence will be referred to administration and must meet with our SAC, Ms. Padilla, to address all substance abuse issues. Online counseling is arranged through the ASPIRE program. Upon completion of the program, students are required to follow up with Ms. Padilla. If further counseling is needed (addiction, anxiety, social/emotional concerns, etc) students will remain on Ms. Padilla's caseload and may also be referred for outside counseling.
Additional Helpful Links for Parents:
- https://www.tobaccofreenj.com/
- https://truthinitiative.org/our-top-issues/vaping-issue
- https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html
- https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/flavored-tobacco-use-among-youth-and-young-adults
Stand Up and Rebel
Stand Up and Rebel is our student-led drug and alcohol awareness and prevention program. It is a branch of the county-wide organization, Incorruptible.Us. Students who are interested in joining, be sure to stop by the school counseling office and see Ms. Padilla.
Project Teach
Project Teach is an alternative year-round education program for parenting and expecting teens who need a healing environment. View brochures linked below for more information.
We have recently begun to grow our Community Partnerships for our Project Teach and Tec students including:
- Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center
- NJ Snap-Ed
- Healthy Women Healthy Families
- Pathstone Family Services
- gardenstateoutreach.us
