For
Immediate Release:
September 1, 2020
County launches
Stigma-Free Monmouth website
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen
Freeholders, in collaboration with the Division of Behavioral Health, is
announcing the launch of the Stigma-Free Monmouth website. The Monmouth County
Stigma-Free Action Committee’s initiative has been developed to help spread the
message for those who suffer from behavioral health illnesses and substance use
disorders.
“In 2019, New Jersey suffered from 3,021 overdose
deaths with 187 occurring in Monmouth County. Since January 1 to July 31 of this
year, New Jersey has had 1,834 overdose deaths and 111 in Monmouth County,”
said Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Division of Behavioral
Health. “This movement has been gaining momentum and the launch of the
stigma-free website helps advocate awareness and education about this notable health
concern.”
The Monmouth County Stigma-Free Action Committee
believes that every individual deserves to be treated with respect and that
everyone should be able to get help without fear. The stigma-free initiative
aspires to reduce the stigmas associated with mental illnesses and substance use
disorders. Monmouth County and other stigma-free zones are raising awareness of
the diseases and disorders to help create support for individuals to who need
to pursue treatment.
“We are proud to announce that Monmouth County has
taken action and have joined the stigma-free movement against mental illness
and substance use disorders,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “The
Monmouth County Division of Behavioral Health has launched the website Monmouth
County Proud to Be Stigma-Free, which will assist residents in need of help and
resources.”
“According to the National Alliance on Mental
Illness, one in five Americans will be affected by mental health conditions,” said
Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley. “A negative stigma towards those with this
illness or substance use is toxic to the individual’s mental health. Stigmas
are 100% curable. Monmouth County residents need to be kind and have empathy
towards those with behavioral health illnesses and encourage them to seek
treatment.”
For more information about the Stigma-Free Monmouth site or
the Monmouth County Division of Behavioral Health, go to www.visitmonmouth.com.
Click here
to watch Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley announce the Stigma-Free Monmouth
website.
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