Essex County has the highest rate of overdose deaths from opioid use in New Jersey. The Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center is on the front lines of the opioid and fentanyl crisis, fighting to save lives and raise awareness.
Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center strongly urges all community members to attend its events.
“We lost 1,764 New Jersey neighbors to overdose in 2024. Already in 2025 we have lost 42 of our neighbors, three of them under 14 years old. This is a true epidemic,” said Executive Director Robin Lavorat. “Essex County has the highest rate of overdose death of all of the NJ Counties.”
The Center’s goal is to decrease the early onset of drug use – a key factor in adults with substance use disorder. New Jersey youth are beginning to use substances as early as 10 years old.
Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center received grant funding from the Township of Montclair’s Department of Health and Human Services to address the opioid and fentanyl poisoning epidemic. The grant funding was distributed to Montclair through the State of New Jersey from a nationwide opioid settlement agreement.
The Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center assists with referral to detox, residential and outpatient treatment programs. Psychiatric referrals are available. The Center also assists with obtaining services to support treatment and recovery. Substance use treatment is available by appointment. Working with a licensed counselor and/or a recovery guide, Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center provides individual sessions for adolescents and adults. Family sessions are available and insurance is accepted. Scholarships are available for the uninsured.
Upcoming 2025 Programs and Services
The Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center announces these upcoming programs with the community:
Mindfulness In Schools – Training Educators
The Mindful Breath Foundation will hold an educator training on Tuesday, January 28, at 3:30 p.m. Register at rlhealthguide@gmail.com. A school-wide mindfulness program has proven beneficial to both students and staff. These programs are essential for health and learning. A daily practice will strengthen brain networks to improve attention, emotional regulation and overall well-being. This training will introduce educators to the practice of mindfulness. You will then have an opportunity to enroll your school in a full staff training through available scholarships from The Mindful Breath Foundation. For more information more information, please contact Mr. Fred Randall (973) 349-9779
The Opioid/Fentanyl Overdose Informational Session
All community members are urged to attend this important discussion on Wednesday, January 29th at 6 p.m. Join us in a discussion on preventing early onset drug use, intervening and treating those struggling with drug use. Learn how Naloxone may reverse an opioid overdose. The Montclair Ambulance Unit offers free training and Naloxone kits. R.S.V.P to Robin (862) 485-8811.
One Pill Can Kill Educational Presentation
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will present its One Pill Can Pill campaign to all community members. We urge parents and their children to attend on Wednesday, February 5, at 6:30 p.m. For more information, register rlhealthguide@gmail.com
Love Thy Neighbor – Non-Denominational Clergy Training
Breakfast by the Essex County Clergy for Recovery Council
Clergy and those who support Clergy are invited to a training breakfast to learn how all faith communities can become beacons of hope and healing for those struggling with Substance Use Disorder. Our goal is to empower all Clergy with the tools and resources to be of assistance to those in need. Join us on Wednesday, February 12, at 10:30 a.m. Please R.S.V.P to Minister Kim (862) 268-7356.
Youth Ambassador Program for High School Students
Thursday, April 3, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sophomores and Juniors will come together to learn about substance use prevention initiatives and how to intervene when a peer is struggling with substance use. Students will develop age-appropriate prevention curriculums to bring to the underclass in their districts in September. No charge. Please register your student at rlhealthguide@gmail.com or call (862) 485-8811.
Black Poster Project – Community Event on Tuesday, April 3
The Black Poster Project is a traveling exhibit that depicts the devastation of substance use. This is a must-see for all youth and their parents. Law enforcement, healthcare providers, clergy, educators, coaches and all community members are urged to attend. Walk in hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Guest speaker presentations at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. For more information
Parents For Prevention – All parents K-12 are invited
Parents are the greatest support to decrease the chances of their children participating in early onset alcohol, nicotine and other drug use. Join in the discussion and learn evidence-based strategies to enhance health and wellness within your family. Join us on Thursday April 3rd at 5 p.m. R.S.V.P to rlhealthguide@gmail.com
Drugs Don’t Work – Drug-Free Workplace Training
Business owners are invited to a presentation by the Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ to discuss substance use in the workplace, drug-free workplace policy, and educational presentations. Research on substance abuse in the United States has shown that 70 percent of individuals with a substance abuse disorder are employed. Register for the March 26, 10 a.m. program with Bill – bill@drugfreenj.org or (862) 253-6808
Please contact Robin to register for any of the programs at (862) 485-8811 or email RLHEALTHGUIDE@GMAIL.COM. There is no charge for the programs; refreshments available. Registration is needed for all programs.
Programs organized by Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center, the Montclair Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and the Township of Montclair Health Department.
Weekly Ongoing Programs
● Tuesday evenings, 6:30 p.m. – SERENITY Family Support Group for those whose loved ones are struggling with Substance Use Disorder. Learn about addiction and recovery, improve relationships, provide healthy support, receive support from others and practice self-care. This is an online meeting, contact Robin for the Zoom Link.
● Wednesday evenings, 6 p.m. – Mindfulness for Recovery. Join in meditation, breathing, sound healing and more as part of your recovery plan. Open to family and friends.
● Thursdays 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Addiction A to Z Recovery Support Group by Tim. Those in recovery gather to share experiences, seek new ideas and support each other in the recovery journey.
● Thursdays 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Life Skills for Men by Chris. Join Chris in increasing your life skills as you rebuild your life in recovery.
About Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center
The Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center is a registered nonprofit in New Jersey, based in Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey with various extension centers throughout Essex County including Montclair.
Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center is led by Executive Director Robin Lavorat, who also serves as grant project manager. The Recovery Center developed from the Opioid Task Force, a community organization, that began with an Opioid Awareness Meeting on June 5th, 2018 at The Restoration Center in Newark.
Supporting Montclair
The Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center moved to Montclair in May 2024 at 101 Park Street Suite 3 and 4.
The Center has joined the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, a statewide community health initiative that provides evidence-based tools and strategies for mayors and community leaders to help their residents achieve healthier lifestyles and to improve overall health and wellness in their communities.
The Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center is supported by donations and fundraising. Donate here.
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