Mental Health Association in NJ Announces Fight Stigma, Walk/Run for Awareness

September 3, 2015 -- The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) and its partner, Monarch Housing Associates, invite community organizations, neighbors and friends to participate in its 8th Annual fall Walk/Run events featuring the new theme, Fight Stigma, Walk for Awareness. The event offers two options for locations and dates: a two-mile Walk in in Southern New Jersey on Saturday, September 19, 2015; and a two-to-three mile Walk with a Certified 5K Run in Northern New Jersey on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

“We are looking forward to our very first Walk in the Southern end of the state and to enjoying the experience in a new location in Northern New Jersey. Our new theme calls attention to the importance of fighting stigma, one of the greatest barriers to treatment for those facing mental health and substance use disorders,” stated Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO. “People who face behavioral health challenges often face challenges in establishing the stability of permanent housing. An important component of the MHANJ’s advocacy initiatives and program goals is to help assure that people have fair and adequate access to appropriate shelter, which, in turn, contributes to mental health and stability. With such a close connection between behavioral health and housing, Monarch Housing is a natural partner for us.”

“Fighting stigma and raising awareness around mental illness and substance use disorders is closely linked to Monarch Housing Associates’ work to create homes for the homeless,” stated Richard W. Brown, CEO of Monarch Housing Associates. “The event supports Monarch’s mission and vision. Helping individuals with mental health disabilities live in affordable homes that are integrated into the community and provide freedom and independence is critical to our work at Monarch.”

The first-ever MHANJ Walk will be held in Southern New Jersey on Saturday, September 19, at the Ventnor Boardwalk/Library/Community Center. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m.; there will be an Opening Ceremony at 9:45 a.m. and the Walk will begin at 10:00 a.m. Click here to register for the Southern New Jersey Walk and for more information. (https://goo.gl/IWf7NJ)

The Walk/Run in Northern New Jersey will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Road, Clark. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Opening Ceremony at 9:30 a.m., the 5K Run at 9:45 a.m., and the Walk at 10:00 a.m. The day includes music, an “information alley” and family fun! Dogs are welcome to participate in the Walk. Click here to register for the Northern New Jersey Walk or Run and for more information.

(https://goo.gl/6ux2tc)

Fundraising Prize Incentives

There is no registration fee for the walk. Participants have the opportunity to earn exciting prizes through a new fundraising incentives program. Popular incentive items at designated fundraising levels include an official event T-shirt, a Fitbit® Flex™, Apple iPod Touch®, and a Samsung® Tablet. Click here for more information about how to earn these and other great items through the Fundraising Incentives Program. (https://goo.gl/pRh8Sp).

The fee for the certified 5K run for those who register online by September 30, 2015 is $30 (or $35 for anyone registering at the park on the morning of the event. The registration fee will be credited toward an individual’s fundraising incentive total.

About Our Sponsors

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities at all levels are available.

Questions and More Information

For information about sponsorship opportunities or volunteering for the MHANJ’s Fight Stigma, Walk for Awareness, contact Stacy Greene, Statewide Director of Development at sgreene@mhanj.org or 973-571-4100, ext. 128.