The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services are proud to announce a month-long series of events and initiatives in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. These efforts are designed to support mental wellness and provide residents with access to valuable resources and information about County services. Highlights include a virtual webinar on the ARRIVE Together program, a Community Mental Health Resource Fair, and a countywide call to wear green on Mental Health Action Day to show solidarity, support and raise awareness for mental health.
“Mental health is public health, and supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of our residents is a priority for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Mental health plays a vital role in every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our ability to thrive in our communities, yet many people who are struggling often feel alone or unsure of where to turn for help. That’s why we’re committed to not only raising awareness, but also making sure our residents know that support is available and help is within reach.”
Union County invites residents to a special virtual webinar focused on the ARRIVE Together program, a statewide initiative that pairs mental health professionals with law enforcement officers to respond to mental health crises with compassion and care. The discussion will feature panelists from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, RWJBH Trinitas Regional Medical Center, and local law enforcement. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 14th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and will be hosted on Zoom and livestreamed via Facebook Live. Registration details can be found at ucnj.org/mental-health.
Residents are also encouraged to attend the Community Mental Health Resource Fair on Saturday, May 17th at 11:30 a.m. at the Roselle Memorial Library (104 West 4th Ave, Roselle, NJ). The fair will provide an opportunity to connect with local organizations, gather wellness tools, and learn about mental health services available for individuals and families.
As part of Mental Health Action Day on Thursday, May 15, residents are encouraged to wear green to raise awareness and show support for mental health. Mental health challenges are more common than many realize. 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and 1 in 6 youth aged 6 to 17 are affected by a mental health condition. You are not alone. Help is available, and healing is possible. For local mental health services or 24/7 support, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 or scan the QR code on the Mental Health Action Day flyer.
“We want everyone in Union County to know they are supported and that resources are available no matter where they are in their mental health journey,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “Whether someone is seeking help for the first time or managing a long-term condition, they deserve to feel seen and heard. Help is also available if you are looking for resources to support a friend or family member. Together, we can continue to build a strong, compassionate community where mental wellness is prioritized and no one feels alone.”
The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse advises anyone needing support, information, or resources to reach out to NJ Mental Health Cares, New Jersey’s behavioral health information and referral service system. Calls are answered by trained staff who provide emotional support, assessment of presenting problems, and information and referral. This is a free, confidential service with multilingual translation available. If you or a loved one is facing mental health related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, for 24/7 support. The Lifeline provides free confidential emotional support to individuals in crisis or emotional distress. To learn more about events and programs offered through the Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs.