The Town Crier - Legislative Backgrounder

May is Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma around mental health issues, and promote well-being for all.     According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five Americans experiences a mental health condition in a given year, and one in 25 lives with a serious mental illness that substantially interferes with their daily life. The COVID-19 pandemic has also taken a toll on the mental health of many people, as they face stress, isolation, grief, and uncertainty.   As we close out the month, we would like to highlight initiatives created on the local level.

The Mayors Wellness Campaign Committee shared with us the fantastic work that their Mental Health Ambassador, Ana Delarosa, is doing in Paterson to promote mental health awareness and community engagement.  The City has been hosting activities for employees, with plans to expand to the broader Paterson community in the upcoming seasons.  Activities included meditation classes, lunch and learns, and fitness classes. 

Additionally, the Committee, along with CBH Care, successfully facilitated Mental Health Day, a game with the New Jersey Jackals at Hinchliffe Stadium. They received generous support from New Jersey Community Capital, which allowed for the distribution of tickets to the John F. Kennedy High School Mental Health Program and community members. These initiatives have played a significant role in destigmatizing mental health issues and fostering a supportive environment.  

Stafford’s journey to becoming a gold-level Healthy Town is a testament to the power of community-driven health initiatives.  One example dates back to 2023 when Stafford applied to the Dashboard’s “Put Us on the Map Challenge,” a program that aims to provide data on health and its drivers for communities across the United States. While the Dashboard strives to supply as many metrics as possible, it acknowledges that smaller cities with populations less than 50,000 may have limited data availability. Additionally, and among other things, the Stafford Township Police Department supported the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs’ Project Medicine Drop throughout the years.  Project Medicine Drop provides the opportunity to discard unused prescription medications every day throughout the year.  The township's comprehensive approach, focusing on mental health, support for older adults, and the promotion of wellness resources, has set a standard for community health programs. An array of other events, from environmental cleanups to workshops and fairs, foster a sense of community and encourage active participation in creating a healthier environment for all residents.  

Aside from MWC’s programs, several other cities are taking steps to support the mental health of their residents and provide resources and services for those who need them. Here are some examples of what they are doing for Mental Health Month and beyond:

• Jersey City: Jersey City has partnered with the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris to offer free mental health screenings and referrals to residents. The screenings are confidential and anonymous and can be accessed online or by phone. The City also hosts virtual workshops and webinars on topics such as coping with stress, anxiety, and depression, mindfulness, and self-care. Additionally, the City provides mental health services for veterans, seniors, youth, and homeless individuals through its Division of Community Development.
• Trenton: The City has come together with representatives from various sectors, such as health, education, faith, law enforcement, and social services, to address the mental health needs of the community. The task force coordinates efforts to increase awareness, prevention, and intervention, and to reduce stigma and discrimination. The city also supports several programs and initiatives that promote mental health, such as the Trenton PEERS Center, which offers peer support and recovery services, and the Trauma-Informed Care Project, which trains professionals and organizations to respond sensitively to trauma survivors.
• Montgomery: Montgomery Township’s page details events focused on health and wellness, including town hall meetings. It also provides information on public health initiatives, communicable diseases, and safety recalls. Community members can find resources for coping with stress, such as mindful activities and support lines. The Township posts various documents to help with mental health, including journals and worksheets as well. 
• Elizabeth:  The City organized a Mental Health Action Day where “YouthBuild Elizabeth” partnered with various organizations to support Mental Health Action Day on May 16, the only event of its kind in New Jersey. The event featured activities like yoga, sound baths, meditation, dance therapy, and more, with community organizations sharing resources. ( YouthBuild Elizabeth is a program helping young adults in Elizabeth, NJ, earn their high school diploma equivalency and trade skills, including construction and medical certifications.  

These are just some ways New Jersey's cities show their commitment to mental health and wellness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, remember that you are not alone and that help is available. You can call the New Jersey Mental Health Cares helpline at 866-202-HELP (4357) or text NJHOPE to 51684 for free, confidential support and information. You can also visit the New Jersey Department of Human Services website for more resources and tips on how to take care of your mental health during the pandemic and beyond.

Contact:  Ciara Bradley, League Research Associate, CBradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x128.