Chatham Twp Goes 'Stigma Free'

CHATHAM TWP, NJ — Chatham Township is the 26th Morris County town to declare itself "Stigma Free." The county-wide initiative wants to reduce the stigmas associated with mental illness and addiction.

The initiative promotes education and understanding to help people receive treatment and eventually recovery.

“Stigma-Free communities aim to inspire public interest and open dialogues about stigma, raise awareness of the disease of mental illness and create a culture wherein residents feel supported by their communities and neighbors and feel free to seek treatment for their disease with fear of stigma,’’ the resolution passed in Chatham Township says.

“This initiative is an important step in helping affected people seek recovery, without fear of stigma or reprisal,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “But it is only support shown for this Stigma-Free initiative by towns like Chatham Township, and their officials and residents, that can make this grass roots effort succeed.’’

To learn more about the program, visit www.morriscountystigmafree.org.

Image via Morris County Government