Somerset County Proclaims May 2022 As “Stigma Free Month”

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

04/27/2022 2:03 PM

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 2022 as “Stigma Free Month” as part of National Mental Health Awareness Month at their April 26 meeting. Always an important program to reduce the stigma residents with mental health conditions face, Stigma Free Somerset County has become even more vital with the increased need for both mental health services and public education due to the COVID pandemic.

“Living with mental health conditions or substance use disorders is challenging in the best of times, but when you also face stigma for these medical conditions it can make seeking help almost impossible,” said Commissioner Paul Drake, liaison to the Somerset County Department of Human Services. “Somerset County is committed not only to providing mental health services for those who need it, but also in educating the public on how to be, and encourage others to be, Stigma Free.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that 20 percent of Americans are living with a diagnosable mental health condition in any one year, meaning that almost 70,000 of our Somerset County friends, family and neighbors may need support or treatment. Somerset County provides mental health services through its Mental Health Board, Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center, and by funding numerous programs through local non-profits and medical providers.

Somerset County initiated its Stigma Free campaign – Stop The Ignorance, Gain More Awareness -- in 2017 to raise awareness of the tangible impact mental health stigmas have not just on those with a diagnosable condition, but also on the community at large. The campaign initially partnered with municipalities, educational facilities, and faith-based organizations to provide education and train advocates to expand the movement.

With the increased need for mental health and substance use services due to the isolation and stress of the COVID pandemic and Hurricane Ida, the Department has increased its efforts in 2022.

In March 2022 the County launched the “Make Your Business Stigma Free” campaign with the Somerset County Business Partnership and Downtown Somerville to include retail stores and major employers. On the first day of the campaign more than two dozen businesses signed the Stigma Free Pledge, placed the campaign sticker with a QR code leading to the Pledge on their windows, and agreed to run their businesses stigma free and encourage their fellow business owners to do the same.

On May 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Stigma Free Somerset County will hold its first annual Stigma Free Conference at the North Plainfield Community Center. The Conference will be educational for anyone interested in learning more about mental health issues and available services, whether professionals, community leaders, residents who have or know someone with a mental health condition, or anyone interested in becoming a Stigma Free advocate. Registration and more information is available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stigma-free-somerset-county-mental-health-conference-registration-288640580747.

“This first annual Stigma Free Somerset County conference is a big step in advancing the cause of destigmatizing mental health conditions and substance use issues, and getting people the appropriate and effective health care they need,” said Mark Williams, a founding advocate for Stigma Free Somerset County. “With 20 percent of Americans having a diagnosable mental health condition, we all know someone who needs help and I encourage everyone to come to this conference and learn about the incredible resources that are available.”

Presentations will include Suicide Prevention and the new 988 Hotline, how to find services in Somerset County, how mental health issues can be different for youth or in multicultural communities, and the many pathways to recovery. Several non-profits and organizations will also be on hand to provide information on their services and help direct any residents who are looking to access mental health care for themselves or a loved one.

To find information on Somerset County’s Stigma Free campaign, or to sign the pledge as an individual or business, please use the following links.

• Stigma Free Information and Toolkit: http://soconj.gov/stigmafreepledge
• Stigma Free Pledge for Individuals: http://soconj.gov/i-stigmafreepledge
• Stigma Free Pledge for Businesses: http://soconj.gov/b-stigmafreepledge

For more information on Stigma Free Somerset County or to get involved, reach out to Meg Isbitski, Somerset County's Assistant Mental Health Administrator, at stigmafree@co.somerset.nj.us or 908-704-6300.

Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Somerset County is governed and managed by the Board of County Commissioners. The Board consists of five members with one or two elected each year in November in the general election, and they each serve three-year terms. Commissioners serve as liaisons to all divisions in the county.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscrib... or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

# # #

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.