 |
| To honor May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a Proclamation was presented during the May 2nd Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders Meeting. Sharon Cartwright and Maureen Brogan accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC) & NJ Hope & Healing Programs. Pictured in the photo (from left to right) are Sharon Cartwright, Middlesex County Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC) and Regional Coordinator, Hope & Healing – Middlesex, Penny Grande, Middlesex County Mental Health Administrator and Maureen Brogan, Middlesex County Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC) and Team Leader, Hope & Healing – Middlesex. |
 |
| Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, Liaison to the Middlesex County Department of Community Services, Sharon Cartwright, Freeholder Deputy Director Blanquita Valenti and Maureen Brogan. |
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of this, the Middlesex County Office of Human Services – Mental Health Administration, with the support of its Mental Health Board, prepared a Proclamation to acknowledge this month, raise awareness about mental health, and combat the social stigma associated with mental illness that often prevents people from seeking help. This year, in light of the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath, we decided to bring attention to the impact of disasters and other traumatic events on individuals, families and communities. Sharon Cartwright and Maureen Brogan accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC) and NJ Hope and Healing programs. They briefly highlighted the programs’ activities in response to Hurricane Sandy.
Proclamation Summary - 2013
Middlesex County
Office of Human Services ~ Mental Health Administration
Proclamation
WHEREAS, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health has concluded that mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being;
WHEREAS, mental health challenges are as treatable as many physical illnesses and achieving a state of wellness and recovery is possible;
WHEREAS, for more than 50 years, the National Mental Health America has declared May as, ”Mental Health Awareness Month”, to raise awareness about mental health, combat the social stigma associated with mental illness that often prevents people from seeking help, and promote the principles of wellness and recovery;
WHEREAS, consumers, families, mental health providers and advocates together endorse a recovery-oriented system of care which enables persons with mental illness to live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities;
WHEREAS, continued dedication is needed to prioritize recovery and resilience awareness, physical wellness, prevention and cultural competency;
WHEREAS, increased focus must also be on the impact of disasters and other traumatic events on individuals and communities and how traumatic stress that is unrecognized or unmanaged may affect physical and mental health
WHEREAS, individuals affected by traumatic or disaster related stress can reclaim a sense of control and security through early recognition of the signs and by utilizing coping strategies and supports, when needed
WHEREAS, the recovery process enables a person to re-establish a sense of integrity, hope and purpose and to live a satisfying, contributory life;
WHEREAS, the Middlesex County Mental Health Board meets monthly to improve the quality of life for residents of Middlesex County with a mission of promoting efforts that will enhance the wellness and recovery opportunities of consumers. The Board advocates for consumer driven community supports, services and best and promising practices throughout the continuum of care and is dedicated to consumer empowerment, ending stigma, embracing a wellness & recovery approach and educating the community on all aspects of mental health awareness;
Now, THEREFORE, in recognition of those individuals and families who are affected by mental illness or trauma and in support of their transition to wellness and recovery;
I, Ronald G. Rios, on behalf of the County of Middlesex, proclaim the month of May, 2013 as Mental Health Awareness Month |