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TOMS RIVER, NJ - All 33 municipalities in Ocean County have declared themselves stigma-free as of this year, an important milestone in the County-wide effort to increase mental health awareness.
In 2015, the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee began working with municipalities to encourage participation in the New Jersey Stigma Free Zone initiative. The effort was a part of a statewide movement to promote mental illness awareness and reduce the stigma that keeps individuals from seeking help.
"We are proud to announce that every municipality in Ocean County has now officially declared itself stigma-free, demonstrating that advocacy and education efforts truly make an impact," Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, liaison to the Mental Health Board, said. "This achievement represents a significant County-wide commitment to recognize that there can be no health without mental health."
"We extend our sincere thanks to all 33 Ocean County municipalities for their commitment to becoming stigma-free, as well as to the Ocean County Department of Human Services, the Ocean County Mental Health Board, the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee, our community-based organizations, advocates, municipal leaders, and all of the partners who have worked together to advance mental health awareness throughout Ocean County," Ellenbogen said. "This milestone was made possible through years of collaboration, education, advocacy, and a shared commitment to ensuring that residents know they are supported and that help is available."
In the spirit of awareness, the County will host its 5th Annual "Scare Away Stigma" Trunk-or-Treat event on October 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the 4th floor of the Ocean County Parking Garage, off Madison and Hadley Avenues in Downtown Toms River.
"The event brings mental health awareness to the community in a fun and engaging way and encourages young people to start conversations about mental health early, which plays an important role in preventing stigma," Ellenbogen said. "It is important that as a County, we recognize and address the barriers stigma creates for accessing mental health treatment."
Stigma-Free Partners of Ocean County will be on hand to provide information, resources, and treats for attendees. The Trunk-or-Treat event is hosted by Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee, a coalition of community-based organizations and advocates, along with the Ocean County Department of Human Services.
For more information call the Ocean County Department of Human Services at 732-506-5374.
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