In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and Department of Human Services will be offering services throughout the month of May, including a free mental health webinar on Thursday, May 23, from 6 p.m. -Longitudinal observations are part of a national campaign aimed at reducing stigma, promoting acceptance, and building informed and supportive communities accepting mental health care.
“Mental health issues can have a significant impact on people, including their loved ones. We cannot afford to ignore this sensitive yet important topic, whether directly or indirectly.” said Kimberly Palmieri-Mowed, Union County Commissioner and Mental Health Advisory Council liaison. “Your mental and emotional health is important to us, which is why we work hard to educate our residents about mental health and wellness. We want everyone going through this to know that there is still hope and there are resources available.”
The Union County Department of Human Services’ Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse provides an array of programs and services to Union County residents seeking mental health information and services, including:
We will be handing out mental health awareness ribbon cards throughout the month of May. The cards feature a removable green ribbon pin that residents can wear to show solidarity, and a link that residents can use to connect to mental health services.
May 16: Mental Health Observation Action Day. On this day, all Union County residents and visitors are encouraged and empowered to take action regarding their mental health, whether for themselves, for their loved ones, or for general support of their community. As a sign, we are required to wear green.
May 23: Zoom Virtual Webinar: “Raising awareness about mental health by breaking down the stigma and uncovering the path to wellness.” This free and informative webinar is hosted by the Department of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in collaboration with Atlantic Health System. Presenters Nilda Rodriguez (LCADC MSc) and her CPRS ABH Peer Recovery Specialist Christopher Fowler led a discussion on what it’s like to live with a mental health issue. Discuss with examples of what a supportive and empathetic dialogue looks like. Advance registration is required. To register for the webinar, please visit www.ucnj.org/mhs.
“The foundation of a healthier and happier Union County lies in building connections with our communities and ensuring access to critical resources,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio, who also serves as liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. Granados said. “This free webinar is another way Union County shows our strong support for our residents. If you are experiencing a mental health issue or know someone who is, please We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to register, and always remember that our human services department is available year-round to provide assistance to those in need. please.”
According to Mental Health America (MHA), more than 50 million Americans have a mental illness, and approximately 1 in 5 adults may have a diagnosable mental health condition each year.
“Mental health receives national recognition in May, but it is an important component of overall health and should be a focus year-round,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “Many individuals, families, and communities are experiencing increased levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, and access to local support systems is a critical component to achieving wellness.” Union County Department of Human Services , Mental Health is Health, so we are committed to providing our residents with the resources they need to support their well-being.” The Department of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse is committed to providing residents with the resources they need to support their well-being. We advise everyone to contact NJ Mental Health Cares, New Jersey’s Behavioral Health Information and Referral Services System. Calls are answered by trained staff who provide emotional support, problem assessment, and information and referrals. This is a free and confidential service that provides multilingual translations. If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health-related distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health or substance use crisis, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 for 24/7 support. Lifeline provides free and confidential psychological support to individuals facing crisis or emotional distress.
For more information about events and programs offered through the Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs.
