FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 3, 2009 

Emergency management and mental health services are the topics of county’s April TV show

FREEHOLD – “Monmouth In Focus,” the county’s monthly televised program, is on the air this April with a look at the county’s Office of Emergency Management and the Mental Health and Addiction Services program. 

“This show gives residents a glimpse at the county’s emergency management efforts and offers tips to prepare them for the next power outage or big storm,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “Residents should be ready for emergencies. They need to get a kit, make a plan and stay informed.”

“The April show provides an overview of the county’s resources outlines the county’s shared service efforts,” Freeholder Amy A. Mallet said. “Monmouth County’s human services department  provides a range of services that only a few municipalities are able to provide on their own – welfare, drug and alcohol counseling, mental health services, mosquito and gypsy moth control and transportation. Since these and many other countywide services are offered on a broad scope, it makes sense for the county to serve as a coordinating agency and offer assistance to towns.”

“These service-oriented initiatives are forward steps in Monmouth County’s journey toward better government,” McMorrow said. “People can tune in to learn ways to get involved in their community and how communities are working together to reduce costs while maintaining services.”

The show is a half-hour program with two, 12-minute segments. Each segment features a different aspect of county government. Shows that aired previously have looked at the county library system, parks, bridges and roads, Sheriff’s Office, Human Services, Reclamation Center, and County Clerk and Surrogate’s Office. All shows may still be viewed on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.

“Monmouth In Focus” is a televised companion to the county newsletter of the same name. Launched in February 2007, the show is produced at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, with the assistance of students enrolled in Brookdale’s television production classes.

Monmouth In Focus airs on both the Comcast and Cablevision local access channels, Brookdale Television and municipal public access channels in Howell, Freehold Township, Middletown, Millstone and Ocean Township.  Check with your local access provider for the dates and times.

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