Poll: 41% of U.S. adults have some form of medical, dental debt

Results from a new Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that over four in 10 Americans have some form of medical or dental debt, reflecting the recent increase in health care spending across the country.


What You Need To Know

  • Results from a new Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that over four in 10 Americans have some form of medical or dental debt
  • Another 14% of adults said they had medical or dental debt within the past five years that has since been paid off
  • Recent analyses estimate the total burden of medical debt in the United States hovers around $195 billion
  • A separate KFF study found that around 23 million people – or nearly one in 10 U.S. adults – owed $250 or more for health-related costs

The KFF Health Care Debt Survey, conducted in partnership with NPR and Kaiser Health News, was meant to capture a broader image of how Americans owe money to cover medical expenses, saying such studies are “typically focused more narrowly on medical bills that people are unable to pay or those that have been sent to collections.” 

The KFF survey looked at different kinds of debt that might not typically be associated with medical costs, including whether individuals had medical or dental bills past due, bills they were paying off over time, debt they owed to a bank or other lender for medical bill, bills they have put on a credit card and are still paying off or any debt owed to family members or friends to pay medical or dental expenses. 

A cumulative 41% of U.S. adults said yes to one or more of those categories, according to Kaiser’s survey. Another 14% of adults said they had medical or dental debt within the past five years that has since been paid off, meaning “most adults (57%) have experienced owing money due to medical or dental bills at some point in the past five years,” researchers wrote in part. 

There are stark differences in which demographics owe medical debt when further broken down, according to the KFF survey; those without a college degree are more likely to report debt from medical or dental bills compared to college graduates at 47% and 31%, respectively. 

Differences also appear between gender, race and ethnicity, as 48% of women said they had some form of medical or dental debt compared to 34% of men. Black and Hispanic adults were more likely than their white counterparts to report medical debt, at 56% and 50% compared to 37%.

Medical debt has long been a problem impacting millions of Americans. A separate study from KFF, published in March, found that around 23 million people – or nearly one in 10 U.S. adults – owed $250 or more for health-related costs, defined as “significant medical debt,” by the organization. 

Around 16 million individuals owed at least $1,000 in medical debts, per KFF, with another 3 million people owing upwards of $10,000. But again, the debt was not spread equally amongst all demographics, as Black Americans were “far more likely than people of other racial and ethnic groups to report significant medical debt.” 

Recent analyses estimate the total burden of medical debt in the United States hovers around $195 billion. 

The Biden administration has taken some steps to reduce the burden of medical debt on Americans. 

In April, the White House announced series of reforms focusing on four key areas: holding health care providers and debt collectors accountable, improving the federal government’s underwriting practices for those with medical debt, supporting veterans struggling with medical debt or other health-related hardships and helping American consumers know and understand their rights when it comes to medical care. 

In order to hold companies accountable, the Department of Health and Human Services requested data from over 2,000 providers to evaluate information on collection practices, lawsuits, financial assistance, debt buying practices and other factors that might “impact access and affordability of care and the accrual of medical debt,” per the White House. 

The administration also announced taking steps to ensure that the credit scores of individuals with medical debt do not suffer, building off of a private-sector announcement in mid-March from the country’s three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — that they would remove nearly 70% of medical collection debt from consumer credit reports. 

Starting July 1, paid medical debt will no longer be included on credit reports. Currently, it can remain on reports up to seven years, even after being paid off. 

The agencies also are extending the time period from six months to a year before unpaid debt appears on credit reports, giving people more time to work with insurance companies or health care providers to resolve the debt. 

And in the first half of 2023, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion will stop including medical debt under $500 on credit reports. 

All of the Juneteenth events in Orlando that we know about

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This Juneteenth weekend, Orlando will celebrate Black liberation via a series of outdoor parties, historical retrospectives, concerts and get-togethers. From Orlando to Winter Park all the way out to Kissimmee and Longwood, there are celebrations nearby wherever you are.

Black Friday Orlando: Scavenger Hunt+ City Skip Day
From June 17th to June 18th, Black Friday Orlando invites you to explore all of the Black-owned businesses our city has to offer. 400 S. Orange Ave. Participation is free. Register on the website.

JUNE 17

Retro Happy Hour: Black in the Day The Official Kick-Off to Juneteenth 407 Weekend
Enjoy drinks and live entertainment to kick off the entire weekend but most importantly the FIRST stop of the Black Friday Orlando Citywide Scavenger Hunt. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The District GastroBar, 534 W. Church St. To reserve a table, visit  the event page.

JUNE 18

Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration

Enjoy live music and entertainment, a kid’s zone, a vendor village, and food trucks. From noon to 5 p.m. Lake Lorna Doone Park, 1519 W. Church St. More information is available on the website.

7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Historic Hannibal Square
This event will feature guest speakers, live performances, a complimentary Father’s Day Community Breakfast, local vendors, and more. Hannibal Square was one of Central Florida’s first self-governing African American communities. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. Admission is free. More info here.

Black Wall Street Juneteenth Block Party
Paying homage to the original “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this party will include a day party (1–5 p.m.) with DJs, guest hosts, a kids zone, food trucks, and vendors, followed by an afterparty (5–10 p.m.) with even more DJs and vendors. Both sets will take place at Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando. Day party is free, afterparty: $15. 25 Wall St. Purchase tickets and get additional info here.

This Is Me Juneteenth
Enjoy a Juneteenth-themed painting class with friends or family. From 7:30-9:30 p.m. Painting With a Twist, 6700 Conroy Windermere Road. Tickets start at $39. For more info and to purchase tickets,  visit their website.

R&BINGO
This special Juneteenth edition of R&Bingo presents a musical spin on the classic game of bingo. Participation is free but registration is required. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the rounds are from 7-11 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. To register, visit the website.

Juneteenth in Longwood
The City of Longwood will hold its first Juneteenth Celebration of freedom from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Reiter Park, 311 W. Warren Ave. There will be a live performance by the Silkee Smoove Band, food trucks, vendors, and art displays by the Museum of Seminole County History & Seminole State College. Admission is free. To RSVP, visit their website.

Juneteenth at Washington Shores
Join the community on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to commemorate Juneteenth with a family fun day! There will be vendors, bounce houses, food, and lots more. Admission is free. 3214 Orange Center Blvd. RSVP here.

Kissimmee Juneteenth
A celebration of community, culture, and unity that is perfect for the entire family with live music, delicious food, and craft vendors. From noon to 5 p.m. Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Festival Lawn, 69 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee. Free admission. More information is available on their website.

CultureFest Orlando
A day where art, music, dance, food, and community come together over the summer weekend in Orlando. Festival Park, 2911 E. Robinson St. From noon to 7 p.m. Tickets available here.

JUNE 19

TRAP BRUNCH™: 4 The Culture -Juneteenth Celebration @ Hash House
Enjoy a savory southern-inspired brunch menu, bottomless Mimosas with a 5-flavor juice bar, and a live DJ. From 4-8 p.m. Hash House a Go-Go, 5350 International Drive. Tickets are $20.

2nd Annual Lunch and Learn: A BTGM Juneteenth event for Kids and Families
Black Theatre Girl Magic is hosting a Lunch and Learn for kids and families. It will feature story time with books about Juneteenth, acceptance, and loving the skin you are in. Food and drinks will be provided. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1001 E. Princeton St. The event is free but registration is required. To register, visit their website.

2nd Annual Facets of Freedom: A Celebration of Juneteenth
Enjoy a multi-disciplinary live art experience with incredible food and spirits by local Black Owned Food trucks, browse the pop-up market, and take in the Black Arts Community of Central Florida culture. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Loch Haven Park, 777 E. Princeton St. Tickets are available to purchase here.

2022 Juneteenth Urban Community Awards
The First Annual Juneteenth Community Awards, honoring Black freedom, excellence, and Black business achievements in the community. From 6-10 p.m. Dexter’s Birdland, 595 W. Church St. Tickets are available to purchase here.

The Invite (JUNETEENTH EDITION)
A festival with music, dance, arts & food. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 4439 Old Winter Garden Road. For more information and tickets visit their website.

ENCORE – JUNETEENTH EDITION
An outdoor live music experience celebrating Black and Brown excellence. Grape and the Grain Wine Bar, 1110 Virginia Drive. From 4 -11 p.m. Free admission. More info is available on their website.

JUNE 21

The Men Who Made Juneteenth Possible
Dr. Barbara A. Gannon, associate professor of History at the University of Central Florida, will discuss Juneteenth, a day that is representative of all the emancipations that took place across the South during the American Civil War, with a presentation on “The Men who Made Juneteenth Possible: Black Soldiers and Sailors in the Civil War.” From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Center for Health & Wellbeing Community Conference Center, 2005 Mizell Ave., Winter Park. Admission is free. For more information, visit the website.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

Reparations could be ‘difference’ for unhoused Black Californians

… at your best.” Unhoused Black Americans are often targeted merely … and seek opportunities elsewhere, African Americans were excluded from white … report. ‘Perfect storm of racism’ Darrell Owens grew up … s a perfect storm of racism, frankly.” While he … RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News

Juneteenth marks emancipation’s progress and delay

… Black Cabinet – made up of African Americans who served as public policy … high-fiving. “Share and celebrate African American culture, emancipation and enduring hope … forms of oppression including systemic racism,” Richardson says. Perhaps even worse … RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News

‘It is not just a day off or a carnival’

… books, but also non-African Americans need diversity in their … understanding of race and racism, and to have diverse … books, but also non-African Americans need diversity in their … that tradition.” The EyeSeeMe African American Children’s Bookstore 7th  … RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News

Common calendar, Packet papers, June 17

Ongoing

Free tours of the Wyckoff-Garretson House & Museum, which dates back to 1730, will be held the second Sunday of every month, through October.

Docent-led tours are held from 1-4 p.m. at the house, 215 South Middlebush Road, Somerset.

For more information, visit themeadowsfoundation.org

The Burlington County Farmers Market enters its 16th season, held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through October at the Burlington County Agricultural Center on Centerton Road in Moorestown.

Live music, food, handcrafted goods, cooking classes and Jersey fresh farm produce can be found from more than 20 farms, two dozen food vendors and multiple artists and crafters. Some participants include 1895 Organic Farm, Pinelands Produce, Durr’s Blue Box, the Soup Bar and Hoop House Bakery, Black Sheep Farm, Sparrow Lake Farm and Truly Seasoned.

Craft beer and liquor sales are back after debuting last season. Marlton-based Zed’s Beer and Columbus-based Recklesstown Farm Distillery, plus Burlington City’s Third State Brewery and Cherry Hill’s Forgotten Boardwalk Brewery are on tap. Alcohol sales will be for off-site consumption, though overage adults will be permitted to try a limited number of samples.

The Mercer County Nutrition Program for Older Adults will resume in-person lunches at nine of its locations after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The Nutrition Program for Older Adults provides a daily nutritionally balanced meal Monday through Friday, except for county and/or municipal holidays.

All meals meet the required one-third of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) daily referenced intake of nutrients for an individual 60 years or older.

Meals are available to Mercer County residents age 60 or older and their spouses (regardless of age), any county resident with a disability whose primary caregiver is a program participant, anyone volunteering in the program, and the personal care aides of program participants when they accompany a participant to the site where the meals are provided.


In-person services will be hosted at: Jennye Stubblefield Senior Center and Sam Naples Community Center in Trenton, Lawrence Township Senior Center, Princeton Café for Older Adults, John O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center in Hamilton, Hamilton Senior Center, Hopewell Valley Senior Center, Hollowbrook Community Center in Ewing, and Robbinsville Senior Center.

Most meal services begin at 11:30 a.m., although times may vary by location, so call 609-989-6650 or inquire at a local site.

No payment is required for a meal; however, there is a suggested donation of $1 for each meal provided.

Reservations are required; call 609-989-6650 to reserve a spot.

Monthly menus can be found on the Nutrition Program for Older Adults web page.

If transportation is a barrier to participating in the congregate meals, Mercer County TRADE may be able to help; call 609-530-1971 or email trade@mercercounty.org. Some of the sites also may have transportation options for its participants.

There may be home-delivered options.

The South Ward Senior Center and North 25 Terminal/Reading Senior Center in Trenton will remain closed due to ongoing construction, and no service will be provided at this time. Additionally, the East Windsor Senior Center is under construction, but will continue to provide grab-and-go and home-delivered services.

For more information, call 609-989-6650 or email adrc@mercercounty.org.

The Bordentown Historical Society announced the reopening of the Bordentown Friends Meetinghouse Museum and grand opening of the new Joseph Bonaparte exhibit.

The launch of the exhibit marks the first public opening of the meetinghouse in more than two years.

The meetinghouse will be open twice a month for visitation, in addition to special events throughout 2022 to educate the public on Bonaparte, the former King of Naples and Spain and, perhaps, Bordentown’s most famous one-time resident.

The first exhibit to grace the space will feature Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte, the eldest brother of and advisor to Napoleon Bonaparte. Co-incident with the recent preservation of the former Point Breeze property once owned by Joseph Bonaparte in Bordentown, the BHS has assembled an exhibit and will present a series of events to explore this famous resident’s impact on America and Bordentown. There will be letters and memorabilia on hand, and experts will offer narratives on the furniture that came from the mansion on display at the Friends meetinghouse, an archaeologist’s perspective of life on the property, a review of artworks that were on display in Joseph’s mansions, and more.

Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, visit www.BordentownHistory.org

The TV show American Pickers on the History Channel is planning to return to New Jersey this August.

Producers are looking for different, unusual and unique items; something with an extraordinary story.

Collectors interested in being considered for the show should call 646-493-2184 or email AmericanPickers@cineflix.com. Include full name, city/state, contact information, and a brief description of the collection.

Pickers only pick private collections, so no stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.

American Pickers will follow all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state in terms of COVID-19 guidelines.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GotAPick/

 

Residents can view two exhibits on loan from the permanent collection of the Ukrainian History and Education Center that are on display in the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Gallery, located in the county Administration Building, 20 Grove St., Somerville. 

 

The exhibit in the lobby, “Ukraine 1933: A Cookbook,” is a portion of the linocut series by Ukrainian artist Mykola Bondarenko that depicts the “menu” people were forced to use to survive the genocidal artificial famine of 1932-33.

 

Pysanky, on display in glass cases on the third floor of the county Administration Building, are decorated Ukrainian eggs, traditionally made during Easter or the weeks leading up to Easter. Pysanka comes from the Ukrainian word “pysaty,” which means to write. The designs on the eggs are written using a stylus, hot wax and dyes.

 

View a video about the exhibit at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpPA3IBKtDw.

 

For more information, contact the Cultural & Heritage Commission at 908-231-7110 or CulturalHeritage@co.somerset.nj.us.

Gesher LeKesher is currently accepting applications from 11th and 12th grade teens as of the 2022-23 school year to participate in a Jewish peer leadership program.

As Gesher “Madrichim” (peer leaders), teens lead a group of seventh to ninth grade “Talmidim” (learners) in outreaches addressing trending topics from a Jewish perspective including friendships, the impact of social media, peer pressure, prejudice and anti-Semitism on campus.

Gesher LeKesher meets six hours each month: two Monday night trainings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and an additional outreach time either Monday or Wednesday night or Sunday morning.

For more information, visit www.jfcsonline.org/gesher-lekesher.

The Jewish Community Youth Foundation is celebrating its 20th year bringing together teens in grades 8-12 from the Mercer and Bucks counties area. The Jewish Community Youth Foundation is a project of Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County and the Ricky and Andrew J. Shechtel Philanthropic Fund. The program is designed to have teens learn about, experience and act upon Jewish values.

Each teen philanthropist donates their own money which gets matched and pooled with money they fundraise during the program. Students meet to discuss Tzedakah and explore needs and the non-profit organizations who address them. At year-end, each group decides how their dollars will be donated.

Registration is open for all participants in grades 8-10, and returning participants in 11th and 12th grades. Space is limited.

For more information, visit www.jfcsonline.org/jcyf.

Community service hours are available for both programs.

Contact Celeste Albert at 609-987-8100, ext. 210 or CelesteA@jfcsonline.org with any questions.

Select dates, throughout June

Washington Crossing Audubon Society will offer the following free, public events during June:

  • 8 a.m. June 18, free, guided birding trip led by Sharyn Magee at Mercer Meadows Pole Farm, formerly the AT&T Overseas Transmission Station. This preserved and managed area of woods, fields and meadows provides opportunities to see grassland birds and butterflies.
  • 8:30 a.m. June 18, free, guided birding trip led by Mark Manning and co-sponsored by Friends for the Abbott Marshlands. Learn more about the human and natural histories of this marsh and the birds, plants and herps that live there today. There will be a special focus on damselflies and dragonflies.

No walk-ons will be permitted at any event; pre-registration is required at www.signupgenius.com/go/springfieldtrips22 for all aforementioned events.

For more information, visit www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org and follow the group on Facebook.

Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) for half-day volunteer sessions in the great outdoors, to assist with a variety of conservation projects at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve.

Individuals, families, students, community/corporate groups welcome.

Sessions will be held throughout June.

Details are available at www.fopos.org/getinvolved

Select dates, throughout June and July

As part of an effort to hear directly from the residents of the 16th Legislative District about local issues and concerns, Sen. Andrew Zwicker and Assemblymembers Roy Freiman and Sadaf Jaffer will hold a series of Gardenside Chats during June and July. The chats will focus on concerns raised by community members and solutions needed to correct problems that are raised.

The Gardenside Chats are scheduled for:

Tues., June 21, 5-6 p.m. at South Brunswick Public Library, in the Community Room, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction;

Wed., July 6, 6-7 p.m. to be held on Zoom

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP via https://forms.gle/ZRK5bij4hQD2YezE6 or call 732-823-1684.

Members of the general public who wish to attend the virtual Gardenside Chat should RSVP to senzwicker@njleg.org to receive Zoom information.

 

Select dates, as of Thursday, June 16

Mercer County’s Notary Nights will be held on the first Thursday of each month from 3-7:30 p.m. at the Mercer County Connection satellite office, 957 Route 33, Hamilton.

The dates for 2022 are July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1.

Sessions will also be held on business days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, 209 S. Broad St., Trenton.

A mask or face covering must be worn to enter. 

To be sworn in by Mercer County Clerk’s Office staff as a new notary, prospective notaries must apply and have their applications signed by a legislator. If you file your application online it will be sent to your legislator electronically.

After the State of New Jersey processes your application, you will be sent your commission by mail.

You must take your oath of office.

The fee is $15; checks and money order are accepted.

Prospective notaries will also need a photo ID and their certificate on hand to be sworn in.

After July 2022, all notary applications will have to be completed electronically, and an education component will be required for new notaries due to a change in state notary laws.

The Clerk’s Office also has new updated Notary Handbooks, which are available for pickup at the office at 209 S. Broad St. in Trenton.

For more information about notaries public and for updates on office openings and closings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk-/office-services/notary-public, or call the office’s main number at 609-989-6465.

Through June 27

The Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury will host an exhibit by members of the New York City United Federation of Retired Teachers. Many of the exhibiting members were in a painting class run by the UFT as part of the SI Beagle Program, a program designed to be a part of continuing learning by the NYC Teachers Union, which was located in Manalapan as part of the union’s outreach program. Currently the classes are virtual. Chapters are in the five boroughs of New York and outreach programs in various states and countries throughout the world.

Linda Gilbert, chairperson of the Gourgaud Gallery and member of the Cranbury Arts Council, was the original instructor, followed by Deborah Rosen. Gilbert started the painting class in New Jersey in 2010.

This exhibit runs June 27. The artists include Gilbert, Rosen, Donna Rittner and Frances Gunther, all who have exhibited before in various shows at the Gourgaud Gallery.

The Gourgaud Gallery is located on the second floor of Cranbury Town Hall, 23-A N. Main St., Cranbury. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

The Burlington County Senior Art Show is an annual exhibit organized by the Burlington County Office on Aging, the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the Burlington County Parks Division to showcase the artistic creations of residents age 60 and older.

This year’s show will run through July 24 at the Worker’s House Gallery at Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton.

For more information, call the county Office on Aging at 609-265-5784 or email cfynan@co.burlington.nj.us.

Through June 20

Special event June 17

In partnership with the New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH)Mercer County Community College (MCCC) will host “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. The exhibit came to the gallery at MCCC on May 18 and runs through June 20. The gallery is located on the college’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road, on the second floor of the Communication building.

“Voices and Votes” examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” including the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, the machinery of democracy, the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.  

Presented in six stand-alone sections, the exhibit features historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; interactive multimedia activities; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

The MCCC exhibit will include a Mercer County section of artifacts from the Trenton Public Library’s Trentoniana Collection and a photographic survey of Mercer County monuments and murals.   

Gallery hours for the exhibit are Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dates of note include A Tribute to John Watson on June 17.

The exhibit is presented free to the public and is appropriate for all age groups, including public schools, youth groups, and new voters.

More about the exhibit and special programs can be found at mccc.edu/voicesvotes 

 

Among other partners in the MCCC project are the New Jersey League of Women Voters and the Citizens Campaign through the Trenton Civic Trustees.   

 

Group tours may be arranged by appointment. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

For more information, email mercervotesexhibit@mccc.edu 

Through July 2

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) announces Interwoven Stories: The Final Chapter, the return of the community stitching project created by artist/activist Diana Weymar.

Weymar facilitated Interwoven Stories as the Arts Council’s 2016 Artist-in-Residence, creating a dialogue within the Princeton community. Each stitcher received a blank fabric page to tell a story through their memories, honor beloved family or friends, or return home to a favorite place through needle and thread.

Ultimately, more than 100 completed pages were donated to Interwoven Stories 2016 and displayed in the Arts Council’s Taplin Gallery to mark the culmination of her residency.

In 2018, the project was expanded and dubbed Interwoven Stories International, the result of Weymar taking the project on the road for two years to curate more than 250 pieces collected from the original Princeton project, plus pages from The Peddie School, the Nantucket Stitching Gam, the Zen Hospice Project (San Francisco), Open Space Art (Damascus, Syria), Build Peace (Columbia), the University of Puget Sound (Tacoma), Yarns/NoDominion Theater (Jersey City), and Trans Tipping Point Project (Victoria, BC).

This 2022 iteration is an opportunity for past participants to revisit their previous works and invite new stitchers to get involved.

Interwoven Stories: The Final Chapter has gone national, culminating in an exhibition on view in the ACP Taplin Gallery through July 2.

Local resident and past Interwoven Stories participant Kyle Burkhardt joins the Interwoven Stories team as community liaison, organizing behind-the-scenes and leading stitching workshops for those who need help or just want to stitch with others.

Blank fabric pages are available for local pickup or domestic shipping for a donation of $15 or $20, respectively.

Participants are also welcome to sew their own page by following a video tutorial available on the Arts Council’s website.

Registration is required. Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Through Sept. 18

The nonprofit Friends for the Abbott Marshlands will present Voices for the Marsh, its 2022 biennial, 10th Juried Photography Exhibit, through Sept. 18 at the Tulpehaking Nature Center’s galleries at 157 Westcott Ave., Hamilton.

It is juried by Al Horner of New Jersey Pinelands photographic fame, and Pat Coleman, naturalist and president of the Friends.

The show provides an opportunity for both fine art photographers and local hobbyists to capture the cultural and ecological richness of the marshlands and participate in the Friends’ efforts to build awareness and support for the protection and stewardship of the marshlands.

The Abbott Marshlands are a critical natural and cultural resource located in central New Jersey along the Delaware River between Trenton and Bordentown, including Hamilton. Its 3,000 acres of open space include the northernmost freshwater tidal marsh on the Delaware River and surrounding lowland and upland forests.

The Tulpehaking Nature Center provides educational resources, answers to questions for the public and bathrooms. There are free weekly and monthly group walks with registration at rotating locations between: Watson Woods, Spring Lake at Roebling Park, Northern Community Park, Bordentown Bluffs with Crosswicks Creek Water Trail, and D&R Canal State Park between Bordentown and Trenton. Another location will be added soon in Point Breeze State Park, the historic former estate of Joseph Bonaparte, and most recently, the Divine Word Missionary.

For more information, visit https://abbottmarshlands.org.

Through July 15

The Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage and the Office on Aging are gearing up for the annual Mercer County Senior Art Show from July 22 to Aug. 5 at the Conference Center at Mercer on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College.

The exhibit features works of art created within the past three years, and not previously entered in a Mercer County Senior Art Show or the State Senior Art Show, and is open to all Mercer County residents age 60 or older.

All submissions must be the original work of the applicant. Applicants may submit one piece of art in any of the following categories: acrylic, craft, digital imagery, drawing, mixed media, oil, pastel, photography, print, sculpture and watercolor. The registration deadline is July 15.

For more information, contact the Division of Culture & Heritage at 609-989-6899 or register online at https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/culture-and-heritage/senior-art-show?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.

Select dates, beginning Friday, June 24

New Jersey’s 16th District legislators Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer will host Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) mobile unit events, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27 and Oct. 6 at 530 Willow Road, Hillsborough; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 24 and Sept. 26 at 1 Monument Dr., Princeton.

The mobile units will provide the following services:

Driver’s Licenses: Renew the license, obtain a duplicate license, change name or address on license, add a boat endorsement, add a veteran designation, register to vote and/or make organ donation selections.

Non-Driver Identification Cards: Photo identification that may then serve as a primary or secondary form of personal ID.

Registrations: Renew registration or obtain a duplicate registration card.

REAL ID: Available if license or ID card is expiring within the next 6 months. For REAL ID, please arrive no later than noon.

License Plates: Surrender license plates.

Placards:  Persons with a Disability, Purple Heart, or Disabled Veteran can obtain a placard.

Examination Permits: Apply for an examination permit to take a written knowledge test. The written test itself is not available.

Registration is required. For instructions, email SenZwicker@njleg.org attn: Pam Hersh. Individuals with no access to email should call 732-823-1684.

After contacting Hersh, the resident will be sent a link to a form that will be filled out and submitted. If the event is at capacity, the resident will be notified and instructed to try for one of the other upcoming events.

Through July 5

Kyoko Bartley, a local artist in Somerset County, will display her latest artwork “12 Months of Japanese Flowers,” “Icons of Good Fortune,” “Black Squirrels” and “Endangered Species” at Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon St., Princeton through July 5. A reception, opening night to meet the artist in person will be held from 5-8 p.m. June 10 at the cafe.

Through June 25

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) announced that tickets are available for the 18th Princeton Festival, which began on June 10 and runs through June 25, by phone at 609-497-0020 and online at princetonsymphony.org/festival.

This year’s festival will include three staged operas, chamber music, orchestral and pops concerts, plus cabaret and jazz nights all taking place under the festival’s outdoor performance tent being erected on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden at 55 Stockton St., Princeton.

Baroque concerts can be enjoyed across the way at Trinity Episcopal Church.

The new artistic head of the Princeton Festival responsible for its creative programming is Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov.

All performances start at 7 p.m. with the exception of the opening night concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

Here is a comprehensive listing of ticketed performances:

June 16: “The Sebastians” New York City-based Baroque ensemble with a youthful vibe.

June 17 and 19: “Albert Herring” comic opera by Benjamin Britten about a young man who is declared May King when no virtuous maidens are to be found.

June 21: “Time for Three.” This string trio defies conventional boundaries, fusing their instruments with their voices as they perform Americana, modern pop, and classical music.

June 22: Aaron Diehl Trio. Pianist, composer and Juilliard grad Aaron Diehl leads his trio in a performance of works from the early jazz tradition.

June 23: Festival Chorus with the Sebastians. The Festival Chorus performs some of the most intricate and expressive music of the Baroque period.

June 24: Broadway POPS! starring Sierra Boggess.

June 25: Family POPS! with Rossen Milanov and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. A fun mix of familiar classics, movie music and pop melodies at this family-friendly concert.

Beyond these performances, plans are underway for multiple ancillary events such as public lectures relating to works being performed and a poetry workshop and readings. These events will be free and open to the public.

Individual tickets range from $10 to $130; ticket packages are $18 and up.

Check the PSO’s Princeton Festival website for ticketing and event details at princetonsymphony.org/festival.

McCarter’s Jazz in June series returns through June 25.

The current schedule is:

Helen Sung Quartet, June 17

Jazzmeia Horn, June 18

Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap, June 24

Tyshawn Sorey Sextet, June 25

McCarter Theatre Center is located at 91 University Pl., Princeton.

For ticket information, visit www.mccarter.org/tickets-events/2022-jazz-in-june

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, will be the home of the 2022 Princeton Festival from through June 25.

A state-of-the-art performance tent will be set up in Morven’s parking lot. Concerts run nightly during the allotted dates, featuring opera and orchestral concerts, cabaret and jazz nights, plus Baroque performances across the street at Trinity Episcopal Church.

For details on the Princeton Festival programming, visit their website.

Morven’s parking lot will be unavailable to museum guests through July 1.

Morven will remain open during regular museum hours, and guests may alternatively park in the municipal lot neighboring the museum, 1 Monument Dr.

There will be signage on property instructing visitors where to park.

During this time, visitors can take a closer look at Morven’s latest exhibition, “Ma Bell: The Mother of Invention in New Jersey” by meeting Curators Elizabeth Allan and Jesse Gordon inside the galleries at 2 p.m. June 24. This informal afternoon event offers an opportunity to learn more about important moments in New Jersey’s telecommunications history, from satellites, switchboards and radios to picturephones, and more.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for Morven members.

It is also a peak time to enjoy the gardens, which are free to visit.

Morven Museum & Garden is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.morven.org.

Saturday, June 18

Washington Crossing Audubon Society will offer the following free, public events during June:

  • 8 a.m. June 18, free, guided birding trip led by Sharyn Magee at Mercer Meadows Pole Farm, formerly the AT&T Overseas Transmission Station. This preserved and managed area of woods, fields and meadows provides opportunities to see grassland birds and butterflies.
  • 8:30 a.m. June 18, free, guided birding trip led by Mark Manning and co-sponsored by Friends for the Abbott Marshlands. Learn more about the human and natural histories of this marsh and the birds, plants and herps that live there today. There will be a special focus on damselflies and dragonflies.

No walk-ons will be permitted at any event; pre-registration is required at www.signupgenius.com/go/springfieldtrips22 for all aforementioned events.

For more information, visit www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org and follow the group on Facebook.

Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19

Kelsey Theatre will present “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at 8 p.m. on June 10 and June 17, at 2 p.m. on June 18 and 2 p.m. on June 19. For more information visit Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, call 609-570-333 or visit kesey.mccc.edu.

Young Proteus only has eyes for his hometown sweetheart, Julia. But one look at the beautiful Silvia on a trip to Milan changes everything. Now he’s smitten with his best friend’s lover, but Julia has no intention of going away quietly. Events spin out of control as romantic rivals face off in this wild comic tale. Shakespeare 70’s staging of The Bard’s comic adventure brings out all the usual suspects: young love, hilarious servants, and disguised genders. And did we mention a clever dog?

The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) will host a virtual program with author Mike Scardino on June 16 from 7-8 p.m.

Scardino is the author of “Bad Call: A Summer Job on a New York Ambulance,” a collection of unforgettable recollections and stories taking place from 1967 through 1971.

Register to attend this virtual author event at sclsnj.libnet.info/event/6194283.

Saturday, June 18

Bird Walk for Beginners with Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS).

The FOPOS will hold an introductory bird walk at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve led by FOPOS Land Steward Intern Hollie Lane.

Participants will learn how to recognize the songs of common birds including woodpeckers, cardinals, catbirds and wrens from 8-10 a.m. June 18th. For details visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/356725193657.

Wednesday, June 22

The Kingston Historical Society Main Street Reflections program will feature stories of Kingston’s Main Street through the eyes of longtime residents, illustrated by an array of historical photographs.

The program is in person at 7 p.m. June 22 at the Kingston Firehouse, 8 Heathcote Brook Road, Kingston, or virtually, by registering at: https://www.khsnj.org/talk/. The program is free, but those attending virtually must register.

Monday, July 25

Become an ESL tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County (LVSC).

Attend an information session on Zoom. Then attend a virtual 4-week training workshop.

Meet with the adult student weekly, remotely, in-person, or both. Teach the student every day English skills.

 The next information sessions are scheduled for 7 p.m. June 16 and 4 p.m. July 25.

No experience required.  

To register for an LVSC Information Session, visit www.literacysomerset.org/get-involved/tutor

 

To learn more, visit www.literacysomerset.org or call the LVSC office at 908-725-5430. 

June 18 and June 25

A Princeton Photo workshop on Adobe Lightroom: The Basics and More will be held remotely at 10 a.m. The Princeton Photo workshop is located on Herrontown Road, Princeton. For more information visit princetonphotoworkshop.com/classes.

Select Fridays, June 17 to Aug. 19

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) and African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County (AACCMC) announced that their monthly Story & Verse open mic will head outdoors for its Summer Series.

Beginning June 17, these poetic and storytelling events will be held at Pettoranello Gardens, 20 Mountain Ave., and are free and open to all.

Story & Verse welcomes local and regional talent to perform original works inspired by a monthly theme, providing attendees with free, community-created entertainment.

Dates and themes are as follows:

June 17, 7 p.m.: “To be Free is to be Bold”

July 15, 7 p.m.: “Spark in the Dark”

Aug. 19, 6 p.m.: “Circle of Life”

Interested performers should arrive 15 minutes before the start time of each event.

For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Saturday, June 18

The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice organized Princeton Pride ‘22, a Celebration of Community Parade and after-party, for June 18.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at the Princeton Municipal Building, 400 Witherspoon St. “Sesame Street’s” Alan Muraoka, the proprietor of Hooper’s Store, will be the grand marshal.

The event also features Parade Queen “Miss Stonewall Inn” Cissy Walken; young members of the BRCSJ family Rose and Gabriella, who serves as BRCSJ Queer Youth Advocacy Community Liaison, as flag bearers; BRCSJ Board Member Michelle Elizabeth Brown, poet and activist from Detroit, who will share remarks in honor of Juneteenth; Erin Worrell, trans activist and BRCSJ board president; Pride Puppets who celebrate 50 years of LGBTQIA history with 10-foot tall puppets of movement activist heroes; BRCSJ Board Member Glen Pannell; Maplewood’s first openly gay Mayor Dean Dafis, another BRCSJ board member; Sen. Andrew Zwicker; Princeton Mayor Mark Freda; queer icons Chet Kabara and Frank Mahood, co-founder of Gay People Princeton; and the Philadelphia Freedom Band.

The after-party will be held at the Princeton YMCA field on Paul Robeson Place.

Visit www.rustincenter.org for more information on how to march and participate, as well as how to donate, volunteer, or otherwise be of service.

The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, located on 12 Stockton St. in Princeton, is an educational bridge, community activist center and safe space for LGBTQIA children, intersectional families and diverse folx, connecting disparate communities, both locally and nationally.

Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19

The Redhawks Native American Arts Council will hold its Native American Heritage Celebration June 18 and 19 at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.

Redhawk Council produces the largest heritage celebrations in the Northeast which include over 1,000 Native American artists, performers, and educators.

Buy tickets at raritanpw2022.eventbrite.com

Monday, June 20

The Vince Lipani Memorial Golf Outing will be held at the Royce Brook Golf Club, 201 Hamilton Road, Hillsborough, beginning with an 11 a.m. registration, 1 p.m. shotgun start, followed by a 6 p.m. dinner.  Fees begin at $100 for dinner only; and for both golf and dinner $225 per individual golfer and $900 for a foursome.

A range of sponsorships are available ranging from $125 to $1,200.

Proceeds from the golf outing will be used by the Rotary Club of Hillsborough Foundation to support an annual scholarship, named in Mr. Lipani’s honor, for a graduating Hillsborough High School student pursuing a post-secondary education.

Lipani is a former Rotarian and founder of Central Jersey Nursery who passed away in July 2021 at age 81.

Registration and additional information can be obtained at www.birdease.com/lipanimemorialgolf   

For other questions, contact Tod Mershon at 908-295-1368 or jetphan73@aol.com

Thursday, June 23

New Jersey Conservation Foundation will celebrate preserved land and the start of summer on June 23 during a gala fundraiser at the historic Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell.

The “Summer Solstice Celebration of the Land” event will be held outdoors under an open-air tent starting at 6:30 p.m., and will feature gourmet farm-to-table fare and spirits, music, and live and silent auctions.

The evening celebrates New Jersey Conservation’s 62 years of preserving open space, parks and farmland – as well as its commitment to addressing climate change and advocating for sustainable agriculture that supports healthy local foods, clean water, pollinators and other wildlife.

To reserve tickets for the event, or to register for the auction, visit https://Solstice2022.givesmart.com.

Those not attending the event can still participate in the silent auction online.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Erica Colace at ecolace@njconservation.org.

All proceeds from the Summer Solstice Celebration will support New Jersey Conservation’s land protection, stewardship, advocacy and urban greening work throughout the state. For more information about New Jersey Conservation Foundation and its programs and preserves, visit www.njconservation.org or call 1-888-LANDSAVE (1-888-526-3728).

Cristina Altamura is a concert pianist whose organization, Legacy Arts International, is presenting “Musical Circus,” a variety-style concert at 7:30 p.m. June 23 at the Berlind Theater of the McCarter Center in Princeton.

Planned in cooperation with Jacobs Music Company, the Steinway representative in Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware is providing a Steinway & Sons Spirio concert grand piano. The evening is a gala celebration concert to kick off the disABILITY Music Creation Pilot, a new program from Legacy Arts.

Tickets are $35 general admission and can be purchased online at www.Legacyartsinternational.org

The disABILITY Music Creation Pilot commissions new pieces of music for students whose educational needs are not being met by the current repertoire and pedagogy for their instrument. During the 2022-23 school year, Legacy Arts International will pair a hand-picked team of distinguished and diverse composers with music students to create new works which will harness and emphasize the students’ unique strengths and interests.  

Arts Educator Janet Mandel will present a virtual Henri Matisse: Master of Color, Magician of Modernism program at 7 p.m. June 23 at the Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main Street, Pennington.

For more information call 609-737-0404 or visit penningtonlibrary.org. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oaeRQYLcR4yik8udzis4sA

Monday, June 25

The Bordentown Historical Society presents History in Bloom, its annual garden tour, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25. This will be a self-guided tour of gardens, parks and sites throughout Bordentown City. Rain date is June 26.

Tickets are $20 general, $18 for members, $10 for children ages 8-16, or free for children under 8. Tickets are available at www.bordentownhistory.org

The Princeton Historical Society will hold a Vintage Base Ball Game between the Flemington Neshanock and the Diamond State Base Ball Club at 11 a.m. on June 25 at Greenway Meadows Park, 275 Rosedale Road, Princeton.

Members of the teams will play a competitive match of bare-handed baseball, wearing period uniforms and using 1864 rules. Spectators are invited to take batting practice using authentic replicas of 19th century equipment. The game is free; registration is not required.

Sunday, June 26

The International WeLoveU Foundation is hosting Fit for Funds, a ping-pong tournament and fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 26, at Princeton Pong, 745 Alexander Road No. 9, Princeton.

The purpose of the event is to raise funds to support the organization’s direct impact programs and volunteer activities to support marginalized communities and protect and restore the environment. Focus areas include environmental, health, educational, emergency relief, community well-being and international aid projects.

WeLoveU is a non-profit associated with the United Nations Deptartment of Global Communications that is focused on achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

The foundation seeks to treat all people of the world as one family that spreads the selfless love of a mother throughout the global village.

For more information, visit https://weloveuusa.org/fundraiser-tournament/.

Through Sunday, June 26

The Hightstown Cultural Arts Commission, in partnership with the Old Hights Brewing Company, presents Kaleidoscope, a group art exhibition of paintings in a variety of media including oil, acrylic, mixed media, and digital art that highlights a prism of colors found in botanicals, urban areas, landscapes and abstractions.

The artists include Gary Fournier, Spriha Gupta, Marisa Keris, Kathleen Hurley Liao and Phillip McConnell, and is curated by Hightstown Cultural Arts Commissioner Chanika Svetvilas.

The exhibition will be held through June 26.

The brewery is located at 123 W. Ward St., Hightstown.

Tuesday, July 28

A blood drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. June 28 at the Hickory Corner Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor. Appointments preferred. For an appointment, go to https://nybc.org/newjerseydrive. Use  sponsor code 69952 or call 800-933-2566.

Walk ins accepted if spacing allows.

Fourth Thursday of the month, through Aug. 25

Princeton Senior Resource Center will hold Pups & Cups in person at PSRC’s 101 Poor Farm Road location the fourth Thursday of every month, from 3-4 p.m., through Aug. 25.

Join an hour of socializing and pet therapy. A certified therapy dog will be available to provide comfort, cuteness, and relaxation, along with the opportunity to socialize and enjoy some hot beverages.

Register at https://princetonsenior.wufoo.com/forms/pups-cups-april-2022/

Through Thursday, June 30

Mercer County’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offered in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, allows individuals meeting various income qualifications to apply for bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs.

LIHEAP is designed to help low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs.

This year, the application period is Oct. 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent; and have gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Applications, forms and information can be found on the Office of Housing and Community Development’s programs page on the county website. Mail to County of Mercer LIHEAP/USF Programs, 640 S. Broad St., Room 106, P.O. Box 8068, Trenton 08650; fax to 609-278-2758; email housing@mercercounty.org; or drop off at Mercer County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton.

If an in-person appointment is necessary, clients can call 609-337-0933 or email heatingappt@mercercounty.org to schedule an appointment at the County Administration Building, 640 S. Broad St., Trenton; or Mercer County Connection, Hamilton Square Shopping Center, 957 Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton.

For more information, contact Home Energy Assistance at 609-989-6959 (Spanish: 609-989-6736).

Registration for HEWYBL’s fall 2022 flag football season is open. HEWYBL is open to boys and girls from all area towns, and has both co-ed teams and all-girls teams.

HEWYBL Flag Football is open to players who will be in grades K-9 in the fall. The registration deadline is Aug. 15 and the season will run from early September until mid-November. Games will be played in East Windsor.

HEWYBL flag football typically draws players from Allentown, Cranbury, East Windsor, Hamilton, Hightstown, Millstone, Robbinsville, West Windsor and other surrounding towns.

Season details can be viewed at www.HEWYBL.com. To register, go to www.HEWYBL.com and select REGISTER at the upper right-hand corner.

For questions about HEWYBL Flag Football or the upcoming season, contact hewyblflag@gmail.com.

July 1 to 28

The Gourgaud Gallery at Cranbury Town Hall will hold a “Summer Exhibit” of eight members of the art group Creative Collective. An artist opening reception will be held from 1-3 p.m. July 10. The show is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, 23-A North Main St.

An open studio Sunday will be held from 1-3 p.m. July 24. Exhibiting artists are invited to paint live in the gallery.

As part of a non-profit Cranbury Arts Council, The Gourgaud Gallery donates 20% of art sales to the Cranbury Arts Council and it’s programs that supports arts in the community. Checks made out to the artist, or cash are accepted as payment. For more information contact Margaret Simpson and simpsonmr@verizon.net.

Sunday, July 3

John Bianculli Trio with Daniel Mayer on bass and Tom Baker on drums will perform “Live” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 3 at Americana Kitchen & Bar, 359 U.S. Highway 130, East Windsor.

The live performance includes a three-course brunch menu – $24 for adults and $19 for children/teens. For more information call 609-448-4477 or visit https://www.americanakitchenandbar.com.

July dates at Morven Museum & Garden

Morven Museum & Garden is bringing back its Fourth of July Jubilee after a several year hiatus due to the pandemic. The festivities are from noon to 3 p.m., a celebration of its American heritage at the home-turned museum of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The celebration will swing back to the 1960s in celebration of the museum’s current exhibition Ma Bell: The Mother of Invention in New Jersey, which features the original TelStar satellite and many other technological innovations made in New Jersey.

Jubilee features include:
• A Jasper Johns American Flag activity, provided by the Arts Council of Princeton.
• A meaningful 1960’s Princeton adventure from the Historical Society of Princeton.
• Live dancing in the gardens with the Luminarium Dance Company.
• Live music from the Green Planet Band, who will be playing music from the 1960s
and beyond, including the hit “TelStar.”
• Family ticket bundles available for $25 to view inside the Museum.
• Food trucks will be on premises, including KonaIce and Potato Potato.

July 14 – 6:30 p.m. – book launch of “The Education of Betsey Stockton” by author and historian Gregory Nobles. In-person tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for Morven members. Virtual tickets are $10 or general admission, $5 for Morven members. Books will be available for purchase for $25 and for signing after the program.

July 21 – 6:30 p.m. – musical summer evening with the Ragtime Relics performing vintage American music. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for Morven members. Bring blanket or chair.

July 28 – 6:30 p.m. – evening with AT&T’s Corporate historian Dr. Sheldon Hochleiser, who will share the discovery of the six transformational AT&T innovations, many of which were created in New Jersey. In-person tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for Morven members. Virtual tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for Morven members.

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 6

Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties will hold its next Job Seekers Success Group for active job seekers who are unemployed, underemployed or seeking a career change on July 6 from 7-9 p.m.

This meeting will be held by virtual format via Zoom.

The topic for this session is “Job Offers: How to Successfully Accept or Reject Them” presented by Harold Levin, staffing manager for SmartStaff Personnel.

This group is offered free of charge and is open to the community.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom invitation and to be admitted to the group.

To register or for information about Career Counseling Services, contact Elise Prezant at  eprezant@JewishFamilySvc.org or 908-725-7799, ext. 108.

Through Saturday, July 9

The Faculty Student Show at West Windsor Arts will celebrate the work of teaching artists and their students created in a class or workshop at WWAC during the fall, winter or spring sessions of the 2021-22 class year. 

The exhibition runs through July 9 at WWAC, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction.

Saturday, July 9

The Chivalrous Crickets concert has been rescheduled to 7-8:30 p.m. July 9 at the West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction.

Join an evening of Celtic, English and American folk music.

A special opportunity to learn about their instruments, songs and more will be a part of the night, with a Q&A with the band following their performance.

For more information, visit https://westwindsorarts.org/event/chivalrous-crickets-concert/

Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31

Kelsey Theatre is unable to present “Mamma Mia!” this summer due to a national touring company.

Instead, the theater will present MTI’s Broadway Junior Revue – Raise Your Voice. The one-act presentation will feature Broadway tunes performed by teenagers at 8 p.m. July 29 and 30 and at 2 p.m. July 31. Tickets are $15 for adults; or $12 for seniors, students and children.

Anyone who currently holds tickets to “Mamma Mia” has four options: Transfer tickets to “Raise Your Voice” – the price difference will be considered a donation to the theater; move tickets into a show credit for a future show; donate the tickets back to the theater; or receive a refund.

Contact the Box Office as soon as possible by calling 609-570-3333 or emailing boxoff@mccc.edu

Kelsey Theatre is located at Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor.

July 30, Aug. 13 and 27

West Windsor Arts will present three free outdoor concerts at Nassau Park Pavilion between 5-7:30 p.m. located behind Panera Bread on Rt. 1.

July 30 – Uncle Ho 2.0 Dan Kassel, cello. Rain date on July 31.

Aug. 13 – Bronwyn Byrd and Justin Nawn, family-friendly fun and activities. Rain date on Aug. 14.

Aug. 27 – Sophi Coran, Dan Kassel, cello. Rain date Aug. 28.

Wednesday, Aug. 10 to Friday, Aug. 12

The Somerset County 4-H Fair returns Aug. 10, 11 and 12 for free family fun.

The fair allows 4-H youth to present their hard work from throughout the year as a chance to celebrate and look ahead to the future.

Somerset County 4-H is currently looking for vendors, both food and commercial.

For more information, visit https://4histops.org/vendors-and-nonprofits

Through Wednesday, Aug. 31

Hillsborough PBA Local 205 will hold its 47th annual golf outing on Sept. 9 at Royce Brook Golf Club, 201 Hamilton Road, Hillsborough.

Includes continental breakfast, door prizes, driving range, 18 holes of golf with cart, beverages on the course, lunch, and buffet after golf.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. along with breakfast. Shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded.

There are sponsorship packages available.

Individual golfer is $200. Golf foursome is $800. Dinner only option is $65 per person.

Make checks payable to Hillsborough PBA Local 205.

RSVP by Aug 31. Email hillsboroughPBA205golf@gmail.com or call 908-303-2859.

Fridays, Sept. 9 and Nov. 4

Newspaper Media Group/Packet Media LLC will host an Employment Weekly job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 and Nov. 4 at the Cherry Hill Mall, 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, in the Nordstrom corridor.

Job seekers can register at https://nmg.ticketleap.com/job9/?ct=t

Employers will receive 5% when booking two dates, or 15% off when booking three dates.

Email events@newspapermediagroup.com for vendor opportunities.

For more information, email areyes@newspapermediagroup.com

Sept. 24

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, will hold its 33rd annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance, Back in Black Tie, from 5-10 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Center.

Join a night of entertainment, silent auction, 50/50 raffle.

For tickets, visit www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/GADD2022

The Diocese of Trenton serves Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties.

October 1 & 2

The Downtown Bordentown Association announced the return of the 32nd annual Cranberry Festival on Oct. 1 and 2.

For more information on the “Maker Fest on Farnsworth,” visit btowncranfest.com

Through November

Kingston: On The Map opens April 9 in the History Room at the D&R Canal Locktender’s House, on old Lincoln Highway (off Route 27) in Kingston.

On view Saturdays and Sundays from April to November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The village of Kingston has hosted colonial taverns, armies during the American Revolution, canal boats, railroad trains and travelers on the Lincoln Highway. One of the oldest settlements in central New Jersey, Kingston evolved with America over its 340-year history.
The display uses journal entries and prints of a dozen historical maps to illustrate Kingston’s evolution, from settlement to commercial center to modern community. One map shows how Kingston moved between the colonies of east and west New Jersey. Another shows both Kingston and Princeton divided by county lines. Railroads appeared in the 19th century, disappearing by the 20th. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built for commerce, but is now a recreation destination.

Air circulation is limited, so masks and distancing are requested.

For more information, visit www.khsnj.org/

East Windsor community and school youth and adult groups can participate in the township’s 2022 Adopt-A-Spot program. Under the program, participating groups “adopt” one of the public properties identified by the committee and keep it clean during the year.  A placard is erected on the site indicating that it has been “adopted by” with the name of the group. 

The groups are expected to perform cleanups three times a month through Nov. 30.

To participate, interested groups should mail or fax a letter to East Windsor Clean Communities Committee, ATTN: Mayor Mironov, 16 Lanning Blvd., East Windsor 08520.

Through January 2023

Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton will have a historic slideshow where visitors can learn how the Princeton Battle Monumnet came to be, as well as special ephemera provided by the Historical Society of Princeton in an exhibition in the museum, the latter of which can be seen through January 2023.

The Museum held a commemoration in celebration of the 100-year anniversary with an unveiling and dedication on June. 9

The monument was designed by Beaux Arts sculptor Frederick MacMonnies to commemorate the 1777 Battle of Princeton, and its installation was made possible by Helen and Bayard Stockton, residents of Morven at the time.

Visitors can view the slideshow with Museum admission, or for free for Morven members.

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St., Princeton, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.morven.org

Continuing events

The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department will perform safety seat inspections every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5-8 p.m.

No appointment required.

The service is offered free of charge to improve child safety.

A typical inspection takes about 20 minutes.

Inspections are performed at the Burlington County Administration Building, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly. Residents can call 609-265-3788 when they arrive and ask for the on-duty child safety seat technician.

Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey is seeking volunteers who are willing to make a difference with individuals who are experiencing the challenge of end-of-life.

Dove Hospice Services is looking for individuals who can dedicate a small amount of time each month to provide companionship-friendly visits, life review, play cards, sewing, knitting or craft projects, music enrichment, pet therapy and office or administrative assistance, according to a press release.

Dove Hospice Services is expanding its “We Honor Veterans” program and is seeking motivated veterans who are interested in providing compassion, support and outreach to fellow veterans and their families.

Visits can be made to individuals living in facilities or private homes. Ongoing training is provided. Volunteers must be 18 or older and a COVID vaccine is required. For additional information, contact Michelle Rutigliano at 732-405-3035.

This fall, Rider University will begin offering a cannabis studies certificate program. The 100% online program provides students with the credentials and expertise to enter the legal cannabis market.  

The program explores the biological, legal, ethical, business and practical aspects of the industry through four courses.

The capstone course is taught by an industry professional, allowing students to gain experience and learn about future internship and job opportunities.

The program is open to those interested in any aspect of the cannabis industry, with no prerequisites or previous degrees required.

Registration is required at https://admissions.rider.edu/register/cannabislaunch

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW), which is dedicated to foster children in the region, is seeking applications from individuals in the community to serve on the CASA SHaW Board of Trustees.

Individuals who are interested in applying to become a member of the CASA SHaW Board of Trustees should send their resumes and credentials to CASA SHaW at info@casashaw.org.

CASA SHaW is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to “Speak Up for a Child” removed from home due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home.

For more information, visit www.casaofnj.org.

Hillsborough Township’s Senior Chapters A and B each provide an experience for seniors looking to get out, mingle and experience new things. Trips, theaters, entertainment, card games, speakers, hobbies, talent shows, restaurants, history, and health screenings are some of the activities.

The first and second Thursdays of each month are designated for regular meetings at the municipal building for Chapter A and Chapter B, respectively. 

Any Hillsborough senior age 60 or over who is interested in learning more can contact the Social Services Department at 908-369-3880.

The Monroe Township Jewish War Veterans Post 609 is collecting United States and foreign stamps, both on and off envelopes.

Stamps are used by veterans as a hobby and as therapy at VA medical centers nationwide.

The stamps are not traded or sold; they are forwarded to veteran patients at no charge.

Also requested are DVDs suitable for veterans at those locations.

Send all items to JWV Post 609, c/o Charles Koppelman, 6 Yarmouth Dr., Monroe Township 08831.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) and the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator of Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES), which is responsible for overseeing addiction-fighting efforts across the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, have renewed their partnership to host the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series in 2022.

The Learning Series, which began in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, features regular webinars focusing on various aspects of the opioid epidemic and its impact on New Jersey and the nation. It is a branch of PDFNJ’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day initiative, which is held annually on Oct. 6 to educate residents and prescribers on the risks of prescription opioids and to raise awareness of the opioid crisis throughout the state.

The 2022 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series will include a webinar every month on wide-ranging topics concerning the opioid epidemic, including medication-assisted treatment, harm reduction, the impact on families and addiction recovery.

To learn more about the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day and for a schedule of this year’s webinars, visit knockoutday.drugfreenj.org.

Volunteers are needed to help end domestic violence in Burlington County.

The Domestic Violence Response Team consists of volunteers who work with Providence House, domestic violence services and police departments to help people who experience domestic violence by empowering and advocating for survivors.

Must be 18 years of age or older, a resident or employee of Burlington County, have a valid New Jersey driver’s license and access to transportation, and no criminal history.

For more information, call 856-904-4344 or email abaum@cctrenton.org

East Windsor residents can volunteer for appointment to various township boards and committees, including the Clean Communities Advisory Committee, Commission on Aging, East Windsor Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, Economic Development Committee, Environmental Commission, Health Advisory Board, Local Assistance Board, Planning Board, Recreation Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The mayor and council will make appointments at the January reorganization meeting, as well as throughout the year as opportunities arise.

Residents interested in volunteering can obtain an application form from the Municipal Clerk or from the township website or send a letter of interest and a resume or information about their background to: Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members, East Windsor Township Municipal Building, 16 Lanning Blvd., East Windsor 08520; or fax to 609-443-8303.

For an application form or further information, call 609-443-4000, ext. 238.

The U.S. State Department is experiencing longer than usual delays in the processing times of passports.

For those looking to travel and needing to renew their passports, it is advised to begin this process immediately. The current wait times for passport services is 10 weeks for expedited services and up to 14 weeks from the time of submission for a regular application. This delay is likely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information regarding passports, visit the Mercer County Clerk’s website at www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk-/office-services/passports or call the clerk’s passport office at 609-989-6473; for Spanish, call 609-989-6131 or 609-989-6122.

Appointments at the Mercer County Connection, located at 957 Route 33, Hamilton, are available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To schedule an appointment at the Mercer County Connection, call 609-890-9800.

All customers must have applications filled out, money orders and checks along with documentation and copies prior to appointment. Delays in appointment availability may be experienced due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Mercer County’s Swift911 system notifies the public in the event of an emergency or for sharing important information via phone, text or email.  

All calls will have the caller ID of “Mercer County Alert.”

Personal information will not be provided to any outside agencies or companies.

To sign up, visit www.mercercounty.org/departments/emergency-management-public-safety/mercer-county-emergency-notification-system

For assistance with registration, email OEM@mercercounty.org

Mercer County posts regarding emergency closures are available at www.cancellations.com/ and www.fox29.com/closings 

Central Jersey Chapter 148 of the Korean War Veterans extend an invitation to any veterans, regardless of the branch of service, who served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location, including Europe; or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953, to the current date.

Other veterans may join as associate members.

The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month, from May to December, at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, in the court room.

Requirements for membership include paying dues of $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 to the chapter per year.

Korean War Veterans National LIFE membership is available for those 80 and older, and is $75.

The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including fundraising to help veterans at the New Jersey State Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park, the Lyons campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, and the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland.

For more information, contact Charlie Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or KWVANJ@yahoo.com

The Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences is turning into a wedding venue.

Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz will begin performing weddings every Wednesday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. by appointment only, in the historic and picturesque Lyceum building on High Street in Mount Holly.

Burlington County couples interested in being married can make appointments online at http://co.burlington.nj.us/611/Marriage-Services.

There is no fee for the service, but couples must obtain a marriage license from the municipality where either the bride or groom resides or from Mount Holly, where the Lyceum is located. Obtaining a license typically takes 72 hours.

For more information, call the Clerk’s Office at 609-265-5142.

Bentley Community Services, a designated 501 (c) 3 charitable organization, has been helping working families in financial crisis regain self-sufficiency by providing a full range of grocery provisions and more each week, offsetting grocery bills.

Bentley creates access to healthy foods, facilitating healthy diets and nutrition for these families. The crucial monies that families save are applied toward their mortgages, rent, monthly bills and expenses, debt, medical bills and more as these families work toward financial stability and security.

Bentley also offers educational and informational workshops throughout the year facilitated by professionals.

Bentley Community Services is located at 4064 Route 1 north, Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, but helps families in communities from the entire central New Jersey region, including Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon, Somerset and Monmouth counties.

For more information, call 908-227-0684 or visit www.bentleycommunityservices.org

Donations of perishable, non-perishable foods and toiletries are accepted throughout the year.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick has launched the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group for families who are coping with loss due to addiction.

The free and confidential support group meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m.

Inspired by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group is for families and close loved ones of people who have passed away from addiction.

The support group is open to everyone in New Jersey and serves as a safe space for families to discuss their grief.

To join the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group, call Jeanne Delacruz, a social worker at Saint Peter’s who facilitates the support group, at 732-745-8522 or email jdanyus@saintpetersuh.com

The Anshe Emeth Community Development Corp (AECDC) Central Jersey Diaper Bank is collecting baby clothing sizes newborn-2T, diapers and books.

Donations can be picked up if within Middlesex County. Volunteers from the Rutgers School of Nursing will arrive between 10 a.m. and noon on the day indicated.

At this time, no shoes, equipment, toys, etc. can be collected.

NAMI In Our Own Voice (NAMI En Nuestra Propia Voz) is a program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey chapter geared toward community education and reducing the stigma of mental health, as trained volunteers share their lived experience of mental health recovery.

To schedule a presentation at a school, PTA meeting, congregation, town hall, support group or professional training, email ioov@naminj.org

Presentations are available in English and Spanish.

Central Jersey SCORE, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration, is looking for volunteers to assist people looking to start a business or grow an existing small business.

The organization is recruiting business owners and executives, both current and retired, who want to share their experience and knowledge with today’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

The Central Jersey Chapter of SCORE serves Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Central Jersey SCORE provides in-person mentoring and webinars, both offered virtually in line with current pandemic restrictions. In addition, the SCORE website offers tools and templates on a wide variety of topics and numerous online courses and webinars to assist small business owners through every aspect of business development and management. Services are offered free of charge.

Anyone interested in volunteering with SCORE or seeking additional information should email marcia.glatman@scorevolunteer.org

The Mercer County Solidarity Network (MCSN) is a new mutual aid group designed to connect people in need throughout Mercer County with people who can help meet those needs.

The group is looking for individuals, families and businesses who would like to donate their time, resources or goods/services with people who have been affected by the pandemic and who request support. There is no minimum obligation – donors can specify whatever they feel they can provide and the group will match donors with individuals who have expressed a related need.

To sign up as a donor, visit www.mercersolidarity.org/ or email MercerCountyPOL@gmail.com.

Send items to calendar@centraljersey.com. The deadline for submissions each week is 5 p.m. on Tuesday. For details, call 732-358-5200, ext. 8233.

Social Determinants of Health and Impact on Marginalized Populations During COVID-19

US Pharm. 2022;47(6):HS-7-HS-12.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled the significant impact of social determinants of health on health outcomes, including mental health outcomes. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which we live, work, and play, but they are a leading cause of health disparities, particularly in marginalized communities. This article will discuss the implications of COVID-19 on the mental health of marginalized groups and the role that pharmacists can engage in, providing critical resources to aid individuals of marginalized communities in meeting their physical and mental health needs.

Uncertainty, loneliness, and job burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to the prevalence of mental disorders in Americans.1 A CDC report comparing mental health from June 2019 to June 2020 found a significant increase in mental illnesses, with 40% of adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.2 Such mental illnesses are disproportionately pronounced in marginalized communities, and long-standing inequities compound stress on socioeconomic minorities.3 Vulnerable groups—including racial and ethnic minorities, essential workers, low-income households, and underserved neighborhoods—are more likely to experience suboptimal patient outcomes and mental health harms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.4 

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the different nonmedical factors that contribute to health outcomes (see FIGURE 1).4,5 Characteristics such as race, income, geographic location, education, and housing stability help determine well-being. Social and environmental contexts are key to accessing high-quality healthcare.5,6 Political and economic agendas that underlie conditions of daily life, and thus SDOH, are structurally rooted in lack of opportunity and inequitable access to resources.5,7 Many of the SDOH encountered by marginalized groups are intricately linked and coexisting: poverty, limited access to healthcare, racism, and education.5,8

The result of the health barriers caused by social determinants are health disparities.5 Health disparities refer to the preventable differences that disadvantaged groups face in attaining optimal health outcomes.7 The SDOH across demographic, economic, neighborhood, and sociocultural characteristics cause significant variations in mortality, life expectancy, and mental illness between populations.8 In order to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of vulnerable populations and how unfavorable characteristics of SDOH are a leading cause of health disparities, we must first understand how structural racism is the root cause of SDOH (see FIGURE 1).

Structural racism emphasizes the history of oppression in America and the many institutions that work against  racial and ethnic minorities. Structural racism is the root cause of the health disparities and inequities that have shaped the circumstances and contexts of people’s lives. Generations of structural racism affect financial, housing, and food security, with major consequences of health inequities, poverty, and discrimination.8 Among African American adults, health inequities during the pandemic have led to higher rates of substance-use disorders and a 20% increase in mental health issues.3,8-10 Increased exposure with limited access to testing and treatment produce a fatal combination10,11; death rates of Pacific Islanders, Latino, Indigenous, and black groups are at least double that of their white and Asian American counterparts.10-12 With racism linked to multiple other SDOH, the repercussions of health barriers are especially burdensome on the mental health of racial and ethnic minorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Economic Stability

As the single largest determinant of health and one of the many indicators of socioeconomic status, poverty is characterized by a financial inability to meet basic needs.13 Unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated financial stresses; by the end of 2021, 20 million households described having inadequate food during the week, and 10 million households struggled to pay rent.14 Poverty also contributes to other SDOH, including food insecurity, low education levels, and poor housing conditions. Individuals often lack resources to advance out of poverty, thus affecting families for multiple generations.13 This cycle of poverty increases risk for chronic diseases, premature death, and depression.13,15

Unable to work remotely, essential workers are critical to the country’s economy. Frontline workers require close interaction with consumers or coworkers in settings such as public-facing stores and hospitals.16,17 Increased risk of exposure is likely due to the outward nature of their occupations, increased use of public transportation, and inadequate social distancing at work.5,16 Despite this, essential workers persist in low-wage jobs to endure economic hardship.18 White-collar, remote-friendly jobs tend to pay higher average wages than jobs held by essential workers.16,18,19 Most essential workers, including over 6.5 million healthcare workers, earn less than the national median wage and are more likely to have lower education and socioeconomic class.17,18 Black, Hispanic, and undocumented immigrants largely overrepresent essential jobs.5,16,17,19 These occupations frequently lack workplace benefits and health insurance that allow workers to seek treatment.16,18 In oversaturated health systems, healthcare workers record higher rates of insomnia, fatigue, and emotional distress.20,21 Black and Hispanic essential healthcare workers disproportionately experience anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively.22 Essential workers also suffer increased risk of substance use and suicidal ideation.20

Education Access and Quality

Education level can serve as both a predictor and consequence of SDOH. Parental levels of education, poverty, and poorly resourced neighborhoods may mediate low education.23 In contrast, high-quality education increases chances of employment with livable wages, safe housing conditions, and access to healthcare.23,24 Socioeconomic advancements promote health equity, ultimately preventing comorbidities and mental illnesses associated with less education.23 As an indicator of health literacy, increased comprehension of health information allows for more informed decisions regarding health choices, from medication adherence to practice of COVID safety precautions.25

As a result of lockdown orders, children have been immeasurably impacted by school closures. Because many programs offer free meals during school hours, many children went hungry and suffered more food insecurity as a result. Children depend on schools to access the Internet and other resources to meet educational outcomes, but poor households are less likely to have access to the Internet or help for their schoolwork.5 Less education is associated with greater health risks, including but not limited to obesity, risky health behaviors, and substance abuse.7,24 These enlarged education gaps and adverse childhood experiences project a potentially challenging future for these children.5

Neighborhood and Built Environment

Neighborhood and community conditions impact well-being and development. Exposure to contaminants, homelessness, food insecurity, and increased rates of violence endanger the safety and health of residents.26 When neighborhoods are unstable as a result of vacant properties, foreclosures, predatory landlords, crime, and other socioeconomic problems, mistrust and violence increase.27 Increased suicides among middle-aged adults during the Great Recession between 2007 and 2009 were attributed to increased foreclosures.28

 People of color are more likely to occupy unsafe neighborhoods and multigenerational households, with black and Hispanic households twice as likely as white households to be cost-burdened.5,27,29 These congested and overcrowded living conditions make social distancing difficult and increase risk of infectious disease transmission.5,29,30 Moreover, the pandemic’s stay-at-home and quarantine directives resulted in increased stress and domestic violence cases.31

Healthcare Systems

Populations who lack access to healthcare cannot receive necessary services for physical and mental illnesses. This is further compounded by economic instability, lack of affordable services, and global disruptions and defunding of mental health services.32,33 In rural areas, mental healthcare deserts highlight the scarcity of trained mental health professionals. Timely travel distances are challenged by inadequate transportation, lack of insurance, and poverty concurrent with rural geographical locations.34 Racial and ethnic minorities without proper mental health education may be less likely to utilize mental health services. Linguistic and cultural differences create communication barriers and can contribute to mistrust of health systems among some marginalized communities.25,35,36 Treatment for mental health illnesses can consequently be delayed. Investigators reviewing data from the National Latino and Asian American Study (2002-2003) identified the barriers that negatively impact the use of mental health–related services, including cultural barriers (stigma, loss of face), culturally unresponsive services (lack of language or ethnic match), limited access to care (cost, lack of insurance coverage), and lack of awareness or understanding of services.36 Due to these barriers, mental health concerns are likely underreported, so that it seems that these individuals do not need mental health services, when in fact seeking help has been stigmatized.

Community and Social Context

Discrimination contributes to trauma and is a direct effect of inadequate public policies in underprivileged communities.4,35 Racial discrimination, precipitated by conspiracy theories and political systems, is associated with psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. Recent murders of unarmed black people demonstrate social injustices and fear that are conducive to the mental health inequities vulnerable populations already experience.35 In addition, xenophobic beliefs regarding the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a rapid increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.37 Learned helplessness has been positively associated with depression in the literature.38 Marginalized groups (e.g., Asian Americans) succumb to social injustices and racial discrimination, which then perpetuates the narrative of being submissive and silent. The learned helplessness makes it difficult for these individuals to express emotions and vulnerability because they have become conditioned to accept the injustices that they face.39

A large body of literature has demonstrated that racism is associated with poor physical and mental health, including depression, anxiety, and psychological stress. According to a meta-analysis published in 2015, based on self-reported discrimination, there was no difference in mental health outcomes when it came to the age, sex, or birthplace of an individual, but ethnicity was a significant predictor in mental health outcomes. The association between racism and poor mental health was significantly greater for Asian Americans and Latin Americans compared with African Americans. However, the limitation to this meta-analysis was that only 9.4% of total individuals included were Asian; African American and European Americans made up the bulk of the study population, at 37% and 30%, respectively. One may theorize that Asian Americans may not report on acts of racism or discrimination, and thus, the full impact of racial violence is likely underreported beyond what studies have captured.40

Understanding the structural inequities of SDOH can help contextualize the disproportionate number of marginalized groups affected by COVID-19.7,25,41 While these SDOH and health inequities have defined our healthcare system for decades, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to amplify gaps in patient care.4,11 Social and health inequities aggravate one another, with marginalized groups having higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and mortality.42

Although mental health is necessary for achieving good overall health, it is often overlooked among COVID-related harms.11 In addition to increased risk for comorbidities and decreased health outcomes, SDOH disproportionately affect the mental health of vulnerable populations.4,6,35 While some may lack accessibility to adequate mental health services, the occupations, living conditions, and structural oppression experienced by marginalized groups increase allostatic load and worsen mental health inequities.15,18,34 With barriers to healthcare made more severe, expensive, and risky during the pandemic, mental health disparities have become increasingly widespread among disadvantaged groups.4

All healthcare providers, including pharmacists, have a responsibility to not only provide care to patients experiencing mental health illness and substance-use disorders but ultimately help to dismantle structural racism that underlies these SDOH.43

Pharmacists are in prime positions to facilitate resource navigation and direct patients to the help that they need. Community pharmacies are often more accessible to the public than a primary care office and can thus serve as safe havens for patients who are in need. By being aware of their community’s resources, pharmacists can serve as the bridge between a patient’s cry for help and the help that they need.

In a community or ambulatory setting, pharmacists can become trained to conduct SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment).44 By screening patients using this evidence-based approach, pharmacists can identify patients who screen positive for substance-use disorder and facilitate interventions towards behavioral changes through motivational interviewing or direct them to more specialized treatment. Similarly, because community pharmacists see patients frequently, they likely have established rapport and relationships with patients to a greater degree, allowing them to identify mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. By conducting these screenings, pharmacists can connect patients experiencing depression and/or even suicidal ideation to the proper help.

The local health department may have mental health resources that patients can turn to under certain circumstances. Pharmacists can familiarize themselves with their local or state department of health’s resources and direct their patients accordingly. The U.S. government has a website (www.usa.gov/state-social-services) with a directory of each state’s social services listings that pharmacists can access.45 Pharmacists can also utilize websites such as www.findhelp.org, which is a network that houses over 300,000 free or low-cost programs available through the search engine.46 By entering one’s ZIP code, one can filter out results by category or search for a specific program. Resource categories include health (including mental health), housing, food, and other SDOH resources. There may also be similar state or city-specific resources; one such example is the Health Information Tool for Empowerment (HITE) in New York City.47 The tool, available through www.hitesite.org, is an online directory listing over 6,000 resources for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals and families. Search results can be filtered into categories specific to an individual’s needs; for mental health, categories include “hotlines” (e.g., for mental health and substance use) and “mental health & substance use.”

Local resources may include community-based organizations (CBOs), whose missions and objectives are specifically centered on addressing their communities’ needs.48 Pharmacies and healthcare institutions can develop partnerships with CBOs to provide a multitude of services that address any barriers patients may be facing, whether related to physical health or mental health. These CBOs are oftentimes most in tune with the norms, beliefs, and culture of the community they are situated in. By partnering with CBOs and understanding the root causes of the inequities that exist in the community, services can be tailored more strategically to produce the best outcomes.49

In a hospital setting, pharmacists on an interprofessional team can collaborate with behavioral health providers, social workers, case managers, and community health workers.50 They can conduct SDOH screening and use the results to facilitate resource navigation upon discharge. Screening tools are incorpocrated into the health system’s electronic medical record, and referral processes are designed to direct patients to the appropriate specialists or resources.51 Recent literature has also highlighted the significance of community pharmacies conducting SDOH screening and the need for more pharmacies to do so.52,53 Examples of SDOH-screening tools include the PRAPARE screening tool and the Health Leads screening toolkit, both available in multiple languages.54,55

Regardless of the practice setting, pharmacists can pursue mental health first aid training. Similar to SBIRT, CPR, or First Aid certification, mental health first aid is a means for an individual to identify and address signs of mental distress and substance-use disorders.56 Local departments of health or other institutions may host trainings that pharmacists can participate in to become certified. Pharmacists can also become trained as instructors of these courses to expand the reach of potentially lifesaving aid.

The COVID-19 pandemic has unmasked the inequities and disparities that patients of historically marginalized populations experience. Adverse health outcomes—both physical and mental—resulting from these disparities can be attributed to SDOH. As healthcare providers, pharmacists play vital roles in aiding patients facing mental health illnesses. Clinicians need to proactively conduct mental health screenings and be armed with the resources to provide culturally competent care. As public health advocates, pharmacists are able to provide equitable care for all individuals, but they also need to be engaged in the work to address the systemic barriers and determinants in communities at large in order to achieve health equity.

REFERENCES

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