Stigma-Free Morris County: Mount Olive Joins the Countywide Initiative

Published on March 20, 2018

SEEKS TO END STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE -- Fosters Treatment and Recovery

The Mount Olive Township Council has passed a resolution to declare the township Stigma-Free, making the total 29 of the county's 39 towns to join the Morris County Stigma Free'' initiative, which aims to help eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

(JPG, 70KB)This grass roots initiative recognizes the high prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders in our communities. It promotes re-education and understanding that can lead to treatment and recovery €“ minus the stigma associated with these illnesses.

No one should ever feel ashamed because he or she suffers from any form of mental illness,'' said Mount Olive Mayor Rob Greenbaum. Debilitating pain does not have to be visible to others for it to be credible. If you had a bleeding wound, people would be concerned and helpful, not judgmental. The same consideration is needed for people who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse.

Emotional pain cuts deep and manifests into physical pain. Understanding, caring and compassion go a long way in helping the suffering person heal and feel accepted in society, and to live their lives Stigma-Free.''

Mount Olive joins a majority of Morris County municipalities that have signed on as Stigma-Free communities.

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Other Stigma-Free towns are Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Hanover, Jefferson, Lincoln Park, Long Hill, Madison, Mendham Borough, Mine Hill, Montville, Morris Plains, Morristown, Morris Township, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany, Pequannock, Randolph, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township, Roxbury, Victory Gardens, and Washington Township, plus the Montville Township School District.

This initiative is an important step in helping affected people seek recovery, without fear of stigma or reprisal,'' said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.

But it is only support shown for this Stigma-Free initiative by towns like Mount Olive, and their officials and residents, that can make this grass roots effort succeed.''

The Morris County Board of Freeholders in 2016 passed a resolution designating Morris County as a Stigma-Free County, joining an already established movement as a partner, and urging all of the county's 39 towns to join the movement.

(PNG, 7KB)There is a Stigma Free website www.morriscountystigmafree.org to call attention to the initiative, provide information and resources, and a calendar of upcoming events related to mental illness and substance abuse. A Stigma Free Toolkit also is available for towns and communities.

The goal of this grass-roots Stigma Free initiative is to disseminate information and foster a stigma-free environment where people are free from judgment and can get the help they need to recover.

Here are just a few of the many voices in Morris County supporting the initiative:

Butler Mayor Bob Alveine: We want to help save lives by encouraging people with addictions to come forward, to seek treatment without worrying about any stigma, and to embrace their efforts and encourage their recovery.''

Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris: It's important for people who are encountering a mental health or dependency issue to feel free from stigma and embarrassment. None of us would scorn someone who needs medical help with diabetes or a heart condition. It should be the same consideration for people with mental illness and dependency as well."

Lincoln Park Mayor David Runfeldt: "The issues of dependency and mental health affect all of us in our communities one way or another,'' said This initiative gets assistance to those who need it and acceptance to those that deserve it."

Victory Gardens Mayor David L. Holeman: "The Stigma-Free initiative is much needed in our community and throughout Morris County. We can extend our hand out to someone in need, who can grab it and get the help he or she needs. When people ask where can I go for help, we now have answers for them. This initiative is well worth it.''

As part of the countywide initiative, residents are urged to take the Stigma Free Pledge:

• As a supporter to those who have a mental illness or substance use disorder, I understand the importance of recognizing the high prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders.
• I also know that when recognition is coupled with reeducation and understanding, health-seeking action can be taken. These actions lead to recovery, which is possible for everyone.
• The Three R's (recognize, reeducate and reduce) depend on each other to effectively Stamp Out Stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders.
• This is what I, as an individual, charge myself to do€”to fully Stamp Out Stigma and clear the path to health-seeking behavior. It begins with me.

For information on the disease of mental illness, visit www.nami.org and for information on NAMI's national Stigma Free effort, visit: https://www.nami.org/stigmafree

Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace which results from the judgment by others. When an individual is labeled by their illness they experience judgment and prejudice. Stigma brings experiences and feelings of shame, embarrassment, distress, hopelessness and reluctance to seek or accept help.