Debunking Mental Health Stigmas Program, Exhibit Set for High School

Programs for students and community at West Morris Central in recent years have tackled the topic of substance abuse, but the Municipal Alliance Committee is partnering with the high school to shed light on other issues facing teens: mental health.

Co-sponsored by the MAC and West Morris Central, A.I.R., or Attitudes In Reverse, will hold a forum at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22 with an exhibit titled “In Their Shoes.”

The program is designed to erase the stigmas of mental health, depression, and raise suicide prevention awareness among teens.

According to A.I.R., from 2009 to 2011, 234 New Jersey residents between 10 and 24 committed suicide.

The exhibit is designed to build understanding, empathy and kindness, the organization said, and to encourage early intervention and ultimately save lives.

While the program has become a national campaign, it was conceived by Katelyn Baker of Plainsboro, New Jersey, whose brother died in May 2009 as a result of mental illness.

“Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there,” states the organization.

The program is free to the community and will be held in the West Morris Central High School auditorium at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22.