JOINT PRESS RELEASE WITH THE OCEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) - The Ocean County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD), is launching a new public service announcement, "WE ALL MATTER," in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. The campaign encourages residents to reach out to 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, when they or someone they know may be experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis.
"The message of this campaign is simple - we all matter," said Jennifier Bacchione, Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director and liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. "Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and no one has to face a difficult moment alone. Every life does matter, and suicide prevention is a responsibility that belongs to all of us."
Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi added, "The We All Matter public service announcement is another resource in our toolbox for raising much-needed awareness, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and making sure residents know what's available when they look for help - especially if the need is urgent."
The PSA is an extension of the work being conducted through the Ocean County Suicide Mortality Review (OC-SMR), a collaborative initiative launched in 2025 to better understand the circumstances surrounding suicide deaths in Ocean County and identify opportunities for prevention.
Through the OC-SMR, community partners examine trends, identify gaps in services and prevention efforts, and develop recommendations designed to reduce suicide and strengthen support throughout the community.
"The Suicide Mortality Review allows us to look beyond the numbers and better understand the circumstances that may contribute to suicide," added Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator. The message of this PSA is one of the important ways we can turn what we learn into action by encouraging residents to talk openly about mental health, knowing they do matter, and that help is just a call away."
The 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Hotline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can call or text 988 when they are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to. Friends, family members, coworkers, educators, and other community members can reach out to 988 for guidance if they are concerned about someone they care about.
"Suicide prevention is an ongoing community effort, and we need help not only during Suicide Prevention Month in September, but beyond," said Kimberly Reilly, OCHD County Alcoholism Coordinator. "We encourage community organizations, schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and residents to share this message that we all matter. By making 988 a familiar resource, we can help ensure that people who need support know where to turn, and together, we can help save lives."
The "WE ALL MATTER" PSA will be available through the Ocean County Health Department and Ocean County websites at
oceancountyhealth.gov or
www.oceancountynj.gov. and social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
