Join Westfield's Mental Health Commission

WESTFIELD, NJ – Professionals, layman and those who just have a passion to help those struggling with mental health issues are being called upon by Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle to join the newly-formed Westfield Youth and Family Mental Health Commission.

“It is very likely that many people in our community have been affected, directly or indirectly, by mental illness. It is time to bring all of our local resources together to make Westfield a model in providing comprehensive youth and family mental health support, intervention, and prevention services,” said Brindle. “I envision tremendous value in the perspectives of committed volunteers who are passionate about the importance of mental health resources in our community.”

The commission will be established and directed by a steering committee comprised of Brindle,
School Superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan, and Westfield Health Department Director Megan
Avallone. The goal of the commission is to bring members of the community together with
mental health stakeholders to accomplish the following:

• Coordinate and align efforts amongst the various organizations that provide mental health services
• Create awareness for existing community resources
• Break the stigma that exists around mental health
• Identify best practices for support and crisis prevention measures and make recommendations accordingly
• Establish additional mental health programs and support for Westfield families and youth as identified by the community

To begin this work, a ten-member Council will be comprised of both appointed members, as
well as resident volunteers, as follows:

• a Mayor’s representative
• a Town Council representative
• a Westfield Public Schools representative
• a representative from non-profit organizations that provide mental health services
• a Board of Health representative
• a medical mental health professional
• four residents to be selected from volunteer applications

According to Brindle, the initial term will be one year and will oversee the recruitment of members and their work within various committees, and will report to the Steering Committee. While related professional experience is welcome, Brindle said, the primary goal is to identify volunteers who have a strong personal interest in this field and are interested in making an impact in the community related to mental health.

Volunteer applications are now being accepted online at www.westfieldnj.gov/mentalhealth, and will be open through Friday, Nov. 2. There will also be additional volunteer roles available as the various committees form in the upcoming weeks, as significant public participation will be a key driver of the Commission’s success. The goal is for the commission to deliver actionable recommendations in time for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Brindle said.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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