Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

04/22/2026

Mercer Council is proud to recognize the impactful community work of Victoria McCann in her role as Coalition Coordinator.

Victoria recently presented to the Lawrence Township Council, helping raise awareness about the Synar Amendment, a critical federal law passed in 1992 that requires states to enforce restrictions on youth access to to***co. The goal is clear: reduce illegal sales to minors and keep the retail violation rate low. Victoria requested that Lawrence Township consider raising the fines and fees to help enforce the restrictions on youth access to to***co.

We’re grateful for leaders like Victoria who are committed to protecting youth and strengthening our communities through education and advocacy.

04/20/2026

If you attended Mercer Council's 2025 International Overdose Awareness Day event as a guest, volunteer, or vendor - we would love to hear from you!

Please take a brief moment to complete our feedback survey as we begin preparing for IOAD 2026.

Prevention Coalition of Mercer County

04/15/2026

We are proud to celebrate Catherine Arulmohan, Mercer Council’s Director of Operations, on being honored with the NJAMHAA Diamond Courage & Compassion Award for Outstanding Behind the Scenes Supporter.

Catherine’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission have made a lasting impact not only within our organization but across the community we serve. Her work, often carried out behind the scenes, has been instrumental in strengthening our programs and supporting our team so that they can continue their work in the community.

This recognition is a testament to Catherine’s compassion, integrity, and tireless efforts to make a difference every day.

Please join us in congratulating Catherine on this well-deserved honor and thanking her for the meaningful work she continues to do for our community.

03/30/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Mercer Council's Director of Operations, Catherine Arulmohan, on receiving the Outstanding Behind the Scenes Supporter Award from the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies!

To learn more about Catherine, our award-winning teammate, go to https://www.mercercouncil.org/about-us/staff/

Learn more about the Evolving Behavioral Health: Advancing Together Spring Conference through Home.

02/27/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of The Honorable Russell W. Annich, Jr., who died on February 14, 2026, in Skillman, New Jersey.

Russ served on our Board of Directors from 2009 to 2022. During that time, he provided steady guidance, thoughtful input, and principled leadership that helped strengthen and shape our organization in meaningful ways.
Several board members have shared reflections on the impact Russ had during his years of service. Deborah Dunn noted, “Judge Annich was an honorable man. I had the privilege of serving with him on the board of MCADA for many years, where he did not speak often, but when he did, his words carried weight. He was wise, measured, and steady, offering guidance that was thoughtful and grounded. His presence alone elevated the room, and his counsel will be deeply missed.”

In my own conversations with Russ, he expressed a genuine dedication to the communities we serve and to the importance of our mission. His contributions extended far beyond governance; he was a trusted advisor, a respectful collaborator, and a source of continuity and strength for both our Board and staff, including Lance Liverman, who served with him. Catherine Arulmohan, Operations Director, also shared that Russ consistently helped shape and refine our board practices, ensuring our work was well‑documented and aligned with our long‑term goals.

We are sincerely grateful for his years of dedication and the legacy of leadership he leaves behind. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.

11/26/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from the Team at Mercer Council!

This season, we are deeply grateful for our community clients, our collaborative partners, and our government funders and representatives. Your trust and support make our mission possible every day.

As we continue working to prevent addiction and support wellness across Mercer County, we invite you to consider a holiday donation to help strengthen our impact. Learn more or contribute at www.mercercouncil.org.

Thank you for being part of our community. 🧡
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and peaceful Thanksgiving!

10/31/2025

Mercer Council expands overdose support to include more substances. Read more!
https://conta.cc/4qt1qU6

Email from Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction You don't want to miss this. More Than Opioids: Mercer Council Broadens Overdose Support Alcohol, stimulants, and other substances are now in

10/31/2025

Building stronger communities through collaboration! Mercer Council Executive Director Margarita Leahy is engaging with Mercer County, NJ – County Government, State of New Jersey, City of Trenton, TOWNSHIP OF EWING and State leaders to strengthen partnerships and promote wellness across our region.

10/01/2025

This fall, we're .

Smoking (to***co use) is the leading cause of preventable death in the US (CDC.gov) - but we know that quitting saves lives. Join us over the next couple months as we prepare for the Great American Smokeout on Nov 20!

We will share information, tips, & quit resources for adults and teens - and their trusted friends and family members who want to help. If you're thinking about quitting smoking or va**ng - know you're not alone!

08/28/2025

Click the link below to view the live stream for our 10th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day event.

Join WBCB as we observe International Overdose Awareness Day. Presented by Capital Health, Haldeman Ford - Subaru...

08/28/2025

TONIGHT: Join us at Veterans Park North in Hamilton Township as we observe International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 as a Mercer County community.

Please if you have not done so already: https://www.mercercouncil.org/get-involved/international-overdose-awareness-day/ioad-participant-registration-form/

08/27/2025

This International Overdose Awareness Day we honor those we've lost and stand with families and loved ones affected by overdose. Thank you to leaders like Senator Shirley K. Turner and Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli for highlighting the need for compassion, awareness, and action.

Join us tomorrow at Veterans Park in Hamilton, NJ at 5:30-8pm to remember, reflect, and support one another. at https://www.mercercouncil.org/get-involved/international-overdose-awareness-day/ioad-participant-registration-form/