Volume XXl | May 2018

THE STIGMA FREE ZONE NEWS OF NJTHE STIGMA FREE ZONE NEWS OF NJ5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN BERGEN COUNTY5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN BERGEN COUNTY

Bringing the Mental Health Conversation to New JerseyBringing the Mental Health Conversation to New Jersey

We report on a vol unteer i ni ti ati ve of organi zati ons, nonprofi ts, school s and houses of worshi p

worki ng wi th l ocal government to make N J free from the sti gma of mental i l l ness.

Anyone can form a SFZ Task Force to educate. Just pl edge to "do somethi ng about mental i l l ness."

BEST WISHES FOR MAY IS MENTAL HEALTHBEST WISHES FOR MAY IS MENTAL HEALTHMONTHMONTH

FROM NJ STIGMA FREE THOUGHT LEADERSFROM NJ STIGMA FREE THOUGHT LEADERSBy Cynthia Chazen

The SFZ News asked leaders to comment on mental health and stigma on the 5 yearanniversary of the SFZ initiative in Bergen County.

NJ SENATOR LORETTA WEINBERGNJ SENATOR LORETTA WEINBERG

" Mental Illness should be treated like any other illness so that people can" Mental Illness should be treated like any other illness so that people canseek help without feeling stigmatized."seek help without feeling stigmatized."

BERGEN COUNTY EXECUTIVE JIM TEDESCO IIIBERGEN COUNTY EXECUTIVE JIM TEDESCO III

"I’m deeply proud of the progress we have made in Bergen County to"I’m deeply proud of the progress we have made in Bergen County to

eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance useeliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance usedisorder. Nearly every one of our 7 0 municipalities in Bergen County hasdisorder. Nearly every one of our 7 0 municipalities in Bergen County hasdeclared to be stigma-free. Now, efforts will continue to focus ondeclared to be stigma-free. Now, efforts will continue to focus onbringing initiatives to fruition in meaningful ways in every community for thebringing initiatives to fruition in meaningful ways in every community for thebenefit of all ... in our wonderful county.benefit of all ... in our wonderful county. Recent media coverage of tragic events validate the efforts we have taken toRecent media coverage of tragic events validate the efforts we have taken tomake mental health a part of our everyday conversations here in Bergenmake mental health a part of our everyday conversations here in BergenCounty. But, we must and will do more. The silence bound by stigma willCounty. But, we must and will do more. The silence bound by stigma willonly be broken when each and every one of us speaks aloud about emotionalonly be broken when each and every one of us speaks aloud about emotionalhealth issues. We must listen to each other and hear ... with open minds andhealth issues. We must listen to each other and hear ... with open minds andhearts. Each of us must take an active role in spreading kindness, inspiringhearts. Each of us must take an active role in spreading kindness, inspiringhope and offering support... we must look at each other with caring eyes, nothope and offering support... we must look at each other with caring eyes, noteyes that cast judgement or shadows of shame.eyes that cast judgement or shadows of shame. I want Bergen County to lead the country in promoting wellness for all. I wantI want Bergen County to lead the country in promoting wellness for all. I wantthe country to know that we are working tirelessly to make Bergen better –the country to know that we are working tirelessly to make Bergen better –better for our youth, our families, our seniors…better for all! And, like manybetter for our youth, our families, our seniors…better for all! And, like manyof you, I know that this will only be accomplished when we all come togetherof you, I know that this will only be accomplished when we all come togetherand speak out – speak out to eliminate stigma, speak out to offer a helpingand speak out – speak out to eliminate stigma, speak out to offer a helpinghand to a neighbor, speak out to say you care to someone who is sufferinghand to a neighbor, speak out to say you care to someone who is sufferingfrom a debilitating disease like cancer, depression, addiction or any otherfrom a debilitating disease like cancer, depression, addiction or any otheraffliction that impacts quality of life.affliction that impacts quality of life. I urge you to join me in our efforts to create a better Bergen. Join your localI urge you to join me in our efforts to create a better Bergen. Join your localmunicipal Stigma-Free Task force to help create a more aware andmunicipal Stigma-Free Task force to help create a more aware andcompassionate community -- a community wherein people know it’s ok to talkcompassionate community -- a community wherein people know it’s ok to talkabout a mental illness or addiction, that you love someone who lives withabout a mental illness or addiction, that you love someone who lives withthese challenges, or you’re a caring resident who is willing to help createthese challenges, or you’re a caring resident who is willing to help createcultures of caring and promote emotional wellness.cultures of caring and promote emotional wellness. I hope you and residents of every age, in every community will play a specialI hope you and residents of every age, in every community will play a special

role in helping to bring our county’s Stigma-Free initiative to life in arole in helping to bring our county’s Stigma-Free initiative to life in asignificant way. Please get involved with Mental Health Month this May andsignificant way. Please get involved with Mental Health Month this May and

stay involved every day of the year. I thank each of you who are alreadystay involved every day of the year. I thank each of you who are alreadyworking together to make Bergen better and welcome every person who willworking together to make Bergen better and welcome every person who will

join us in the future."join us in the future."

MARY ANN UZZI, PARAMUS STIGMA FREE ZONE FOUNDERMARY ANN UZZI, PARAMUS STIGMA FREE ZONE FOUNDER

"When I started the Stigma Free Zone initiative in Paramus 5 years ago, I"When I started the Stigma Free Zone initiative in Paramus 5 years ago, Ihoped it would spread to other towns. Never in my wildest imagination did Ihoped it would spread to other towns. Never in my wildest imagination did Iexpect it to grow so fast and impact so many people ... the key to ourexpect it to grow so fast and impact so many people ... the key to our

success is that the SFZ provides an easy way to implement educational andsuccess is that the SFZ provides an easy way to implement educational andawareness events to make it acceptable to talk about mental illness andawareness events to make it acceptable to talk about mental illness andreceive community support."receive community support."

NJ ASSEMBLYWOMAN VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLENJ ASSEMBLYWOMAN VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLEDistrict 37District 37 thth

"May is Mental Illness Month, and millions of Americans are impacted daily"May is Mental Illness Month, and millions of Americans are impacted dailyby mental health conditions. Half of all chronic mental illness begins by ageby mental health conditions. Half of all chronic mental illness begins by age

14; 3/4 by age 24. More than 90% of children who die by suicide have a14; 3/4 by age 24. More than 90% of children who die by suicide have amental health condition. Unfortunately, the misunderstanding of mentalmental health condition. Unfortunately, the misunderstanding of mental

illness creates an environment of embarrassment, fear and silence whichillness creates an environment of embarrassment, fear and silence whichprevents many people from seeking help and treatment. This perception won'tprevents many people from seeking help and treatment. This perception won'tchange unless we act to change it and ensure to those who are struggling tochange unless we act to change it and ensure to those who are struggling toknow they are not alone. Let's begin by removing the stigma that is prevalentknow they are not alone. Let's begin by removing the stigma that is prevalentwith mental health conditions and building a better understanding of mentalwith mental health conditions and building a better understanding of mentalillness through raising awareness and education. Millions of Americans areillness through raising awareness and education. Millions of Americans are

counting on us."counting on us."

Michele Hart-Loughlin, Division DirectorMichele Hart-Loughlin, Division DirectorBergen County Department of Health ServicesBergen County Department of Health Services

"Our Department commends Paramus on launching the Stigma-Free initiative"Our Department commends Paramus on launching the Stigma-Free initiative5 years ago and is proud of the role our staff has played in expanding the5 years ago and is proud of the role our staff has played in expanding the

initiative county-wide. We are eager to assist our local leaders in their effortsinitiative county-wide. We are eager to assist our local leaders in their effortsto bring the initiative to life in a meaningful way. True change will beto bring the initiative to life in a meaningful way. True change will be

accomplished when we all work together to create a kinder, more awareaccomplished when we all work together to create a kinder, more awareStigma-Free Bergen County." Stigma-Free Bergen County."

Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO, Mental Health Association in NJCarolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO, Mental Health Association in NJ

“America is plagued with stigma about mental health and substance use“America is plagued with stigma about mental health and substance usedisorders. Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or action -- itdisorders. Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or action -- itis about fear, leading to disrespect, and manifests by the use of negativeis about fear, leading to disrespect, and manifests by the use of negative

labels to identify a person living with emotional or addiction issues. Stigmalabels to identify a person living with emotional or addiction issues. Stigmacontributes to the inadequate resources devoted to behavioral healthcare. Itcontributes to the inadequate resources devoted to behavioral healthcare. It

effects decisions about allocations of funds, pay scales for behavioral healtheffects decisions about allocations of funds, pay scales for behavioral healthprofessionals, and then, consequentially, the supply of providers in the field.professionals, and then, consequentially, the supply of providers in the field.

It’s a strong reason why people don’t look for help until their discomfortIt’s a strong reason why people don’t look for help until their discomfortreaches crisis levels and efforts to educate the public are so difficult... Thereaches crisis levels and efforts to educate the public are so difficult... TheMental Health Assoc. in NJ understands the enormous human and economicMental Health Assoc. in NJ understands the enormous human and economiccosts of stigmatizing people with behavioral health issues and has devotedcosts of stigmatizing people with behavioral health issues and has devoted

its energy to easing misconceptions that foster these negative beliefs.its energy to easing misconceptions that foster these negative beliefs.Supporting Stigma Free Zones is one way we can all work together to breakSupporting Stigma Free Zones is one way we can all work together to break

down the barriers, shift society’s views and make a positive change."down the barriers, shift society’s views and make a positive change."

Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D.Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D.President and CEO, NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies,President and CEO, NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies,

Inc., Executive Director, NJ Mental Health Institute,Inc., Executive Director, NJ Mental Health Institute,Member, Governor’s Council on Mental Heath StigmaMember, Governor’s Council on Mental Heath Stigma

"We must ask ourselves why stigma persists today for mental illness and"We must ask ourselves why stigma persists today for mental illness andaddiction. Historically, individuals with other diseases such as leprosy,addiction. Historically, individuals with other diseases such as leprosy,cancer and HIV also were stigmatized. Gradually, attitudes changed so thatcancer and HIV also were stigmatized. Gradually, attitudes changed so thatfamily, friends, neighbors and colleagues, as well as society at large,family, friends, neighbors and colleagues, as well as society at large,became more accepting of the individuals with those diseases, separatingbecame more accepting of the individuals with those diseases, separatingthe person from the illness, and overcoming their own fears throughthe person from the illness, and overcoming their own fears througheducation and firsthand knowledge through interaction.education and firsthand knowledge through interaction.

Despite substantial legislative progress in the United States with theDespite substantial legislative progress in the United States with thepassage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010 and thepassage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010 and theMental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in 2008 which helped toMental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in 2008 which helped toovercome the cruel discrimination against those with mental illness andovercome the cruel discrimination against those with mental illness andaddiction by insurers, stigma is far from being eradicated. Just as theaddiction by insurers, stigma is far from being eradicated. Just as theresearch community must work together to uncover the cures to mentalresearch community must work together to uncover the cures to mentalillness and addiction, so too must curing stigma be a team effort.illness and addiction, so too must curing stigma be a team effort.

Even if there were cures for all mental health and substance use disorders,Even if there were cures for all mental health and substance use disorders,the continued presence of stigma would prevent many individuals fromthe continued presence of stigma would prevent many individuals fromseeking care because of shame and their own self-stigmatization. Besidesseeking care because of shame and their own self-stigmatization. Besidesinhibiting emotional well-being, stigma prevents those with mental illnessinhibiting emotional well-being, stigma prevents those with mental illnessand addiction from integrating into the community as productive membersand addiction from integrating into the community as productive membersthrough education, a career and socialization.through education, a career and socialization.

At the top of the list in curing stigma is to stop perpetuating the myth thatAt the top of the list in curing stigma is to stop perpetuating the myth thatmental illness breeds violence. Despite sensational headlines of isolatedmental illness breeds violence. Despite sensational headlines of isolatedincidents involving someone with a mental illness, the truth is that the vastincidents involving someone with a mental illness, the truth is that the vastmajority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. That erroneousmajority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. That erroneousperception causes stigma and is not supported by the evidence. Neverperception causes stigma and is not supported by the evidence. Neverdefining a person by his or her mental illness or addiction is another facet ofdefining a person by his or her mental illness or addiction is another facet ofthe cure. Just as we generally do not characterize a person by whether theythe cure. Just as we generally do not characterize a person by whether theyhave a physical ailment, or tell them to just get over it, neither should we dohave a physical ailment, or tell them to just get over it, neither should we dothat regarding mental illness. that regarding mental illness.

Viewing and treating mental illness and addiction as separate from primaryViewing and treating mental illness and addiction as separate from primarycare has perpetuated the stigma. New Jersey, along with the rest of thecare has perpetuated the stigma. New Jersey, along with the rest of thenation, is moving toward integrated care, taking account of the wholenation, is moving toward integrated care, taking account of the wholeperson. A public health approach is promising, as research tells us thatperson. A public health approach is promising, as research tells us thatindividuals rarely make decisions about health care independently andindividuals rarely make decisions about health care independently andinstead ask family and friends, persons they consider to be in positions ofinstead ask family and friends, persons they consider to be in positions ofauthority, and experts. By underscoring the integration of not only our healthauthority, and experts. By underscoring the integration of not only our healthapproach, but of all people into every aspect of society – our families,approach, but of all people into every aspect of society – our families,schools, communities, workplaces and social plans, we can encourageschools, communities, workplaces and social plans, we can encouragerespect and acceptance, foster recovery and help individuals to lead full andrespect and acceptance, foster recovery and help individuals to lead full andproductive lives.productive lives.

Today and every day is the time to be part of the cure to stigma and to returnToday and every day is the time to be part of the cure to stigma and to returnrespect and dignity to everyone who has a mental illness or addiction. Withrespect and dignity to everyone who has a mental illness or addiction. Withone in four Americans affected by mental illness, everyone must be on theone in four Americans affected by mental illness, everyone must be on theteam working toward a stigma-free nation."team working toward a stigma-free nation."

CYNTHIA CHAZEN, WRITER & EDITOR OF THE SFZ NEWS OF NJCYNTHIA CHAZEN, WRITER & EDITOR OF THE SFZ NEWS OF NJ

"When I couldn't find people interested in joining a SFZ task force, I decided I"When I couldn't find people interested in joining a SFZ task force, I decided Istill had to honor my town's pledge to 'do something about mental illness', sostill had to honor my town's pledge to 'do something about mental illness', soI created the I created the Stigma Free Zone News of NJStigma Free Zone News of NJ. I wanted others to hear about the. I wanted others to hear about thegood work of our volunteers and emulate them, even if the mainstream pressgood work of our volunteers and emulate them, even if the mainstream press

wasn't reporting much on our efforts. Like the thousands of other SFZwasn't reporting much on our efforts. Like the thousands of other SFZinitiative volunteers working across the state, my work proves one personinitiative volunteers working across the state, my work proves one person

CAN make a difference when it comes to fighting the stigma of mentalCAN make a difference when it comes to fighting the stigma of mentalillness. The SFZ needs everyone willing to join us in making positive change.illness. The SFZ needs everyone willing to join us in making positive change.

Help us make NJ the first Stigma Free State in the nation."Help us make NJ the first Stigma Free State in the nation."

NEW BRIDGE MEDICALNEW BRIDGE MEDICALCENTER'S DEB VISCONI ISCENTER'S DEB VISCONI IS

MAKING STRIDESMAKING STRIDESBy Cynthia Chazen

NJ's largest hospital has fought an uphillbattle against years of stigma, buthopefully the tide is turning. The safety nethospital in Paramus is modernizing underenergetic new CEO, Deb Visconi.

She told the SFZ News they are workinghard to expand the care offered, and areworking towards being in-network with

multiple insurance and managed careproviders. Deb looks forward to providingmore integrated physical and mentalhealthcare and substance abuse servicesfor all area residents.

Starting fresh and aided by experiencedpartner CarePlus NJ, addiction providerIntegrity House, and clinical affiliateRutgers Medical School, now collectivelyknown as CarePlus Bergen, Deb knowsshe has the resources to help realize thevision of greater access to healthcare. Shewants people to feel confident that "NBMCis actively reaching out to fill thecommunity's needs." After many years offrustrating problems, the medical centernow exudes so much hope and promise."We are putting actions behind our words,"she said, "We want to be that educator,that resource for our community".

Let's hope stigma will not get in the way.

It shouldn't hinder this dream team. Now,finally on the same page with the countyand given the exploding need for services,especially in substance abuse and mentalhealthcare, perhaps the medical center'sday has truly come.

Already, notable community programshave sprung up at NBMC, including aseries planned under the "Teaming Up toSupport Teens" theme. Collaborativelyplanned events focusing on teen-relatedsubstance abuse and mental health topicsare meeting a growing community need.Deb reports, "A recent crowd of over 100attendees included teachers andparents...and they wanted to talk about thestigma of mental health."

NBMC has also offered Narcan training,peer support groups and the NJ SFZinitiative has been supported by thehospital since its inception.

NBMC is emerging as a responsible,valuable and integral part of thiscommunity and they deserve our supportand good will. They want to be known forwhat they are accomplishing today, not thepast stigma.

Their Foundation, which supports hospitalresidents, is also looking to expand. In the

past it was hard to raise money given theunpopularity of the former management.

NBMC will host a re dedication of its SFZon May 23 to mark Mental Health Month,and the public is invited to attend.

Let's be there!

PASSAIC COUNTY APPROACHES 100% STIGMA FREE!PASSAIC COUNTY APPROACHES 100% STIGMA FREE!

Under the leadership of Executive Director, Joanne Green from the Mental HealthAssociation in Passaic County NJ, the Stigma Free Zone has been spreading quickly andmaking strides. Here's a quick peek at the next 100% Stigma Free NJ County!

ONE VOICE LAUNCHES NEPTUNE'S STIGMA FREE ZONEONE VOICE LAUNCHES NEPTUNE'S STIGMA FREE ZONEBy Cynthia Chazen

Chantya Roberson has been working on the Stigma Free in her area for a long time. Sheis a powerful advocate, intent on change. She drove north multiple times to attend BergenStigma Free events, and sought help from The SFZ News of NJ, but the recent launch ofNJ's newest SFZ in Neptune, is her achievement alone.

Chantya reached out to local officials and proposed change. Her task force includesCierra Berry, Sylvia Coleman, Kevin McMillan and Pamela Major and they met in April tonetwork, share ideas and plan upcoming mental health events with Pastor Tommy Milesfrom their SFZ's partner church, Macedonia Baptist Church at 1924 Heck Ave. in NeptuneNJ. Chantya also serves as a Minister at the church.

Chantya isn't finished now that the pledge by the task force is completed, as they plan aMay 9 presentation from the Society of the Prevention of Teen Suicide and a May 15 In OurOwn Voices presentation by Jay Yudof of NAMI Monmouth (see below).Chantya says she understands feelings of isolation and depression and she hopes to gether local schools involved and wants to bring more mental health first aid training toNeptune.

Well done, Chantya, you are so beautiful and a real inspiration to potential SFZvolunteers everywhere! Thank you for your hard work, your efforts are proof positive thatthe SFZ educational initiative is bringing about continuious, positive change !

QUICKLINKS TO SFZ NEWSQUICKLINKS TO SFZ NEWS

Insider NJ: Turner to Introduce Bill To CreateJail Diversion Program for Mentally Ill

NJ SpotLight: DOH Budget Hearing Highlights Changes Under Governor Murphy

ABC News: Chef Gives Back to New Jersey Rehab Center

DBSA Website: Denied Access to Care? Next Steps

NJ SpotLight: NJ Healthcare Leaders Explore Alliances on State Policy Issues

HealthInsurance.Org: New Jersey and the ACA’s Medicaid Expansion

FATHERHOOD APPRECIATIONFATHERHOOD APPRECIATIONEVENTEVENT

The focus of the June 7th event is to celebrate unite andinspire young fathers, promote success and cultivate

healthy lifestyles. The conference is funded by the NJDepartment of Children and Families and hosted by PreventChild Abuse NJ. The event is from 4-7 p.m. at ISC MountLaurel 1 HovTech BLVD, Mt Laurel NJ.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Steve Perry is one of most sought aftereducators in America. He is the educator Oprah Winfrey,Sean “P-Diddy” Combs, Bishop TD Jakes and Steve Harveycall on to offer insight to parents and children. A diversearray of politicians and groups have reached out to Dr.Perry to better understand what matters to parents. Hisinsight provides a perspective that is not often found inpublic discourse. Too often race, class, gender and politicalaffiliations mute voices. Dr. Perry fearlessly speaks from

the heart, which births unpredictability.

Attendees can be reimbursed for bus transportation and receive haircuts, resume writingand all fathers will walk away with a complete dress suit for interviews. The event will also feature a job fair with on the spot interviews.

Contact Patty Mojta at 732-246-8060 ext. 135 or email at pmojta@preventchildabusenj.org

POAC Autism Shield Training POAC Autism Shield Training Department of Law & Public Safety TechnologyDepartment of Law & Public Safety Technology1200 Negron Drive, Hamilton, N.J. 08691 1200 Negron Drive, Hamilton, N.J. 08691 May 15, 2018, 9-12 May 15, 2018, 9-12

Research shows persons with autism and otherdevelopmental disabilities are approximately 7 times morelikely to come in contact with law enforcement than thegeneral population. The actions or non-responsiveness ofpeople with autism are almost always misinterpreted by

untrained individuals.

Inappropriate social responses and noncontextual emotional outbursts, commonly seenin people with autism, can cause confusion at best and spark conflict in worst casescenarios. The inability to follow complex or even simple directions during an emergencyor crisis situation can lead to serious injury or worse. Without training and awareness ofthis condition, tragic consequences often ensue when effected individuals come incontact with first responders. However, these contacts can often be easily resolved whenthe officers and professionals involved have the information they need to navigate whatcan be a complex situation. The primary goal of this project is to enhance officer andcitizen safety. Specifically this project will: • Make law enforcement officers and first response professionals aware of the condition ofautism, its symptoms, and the characteristics commonly seen in individuals who areaffected. • Provide information to enhance better recognition of a person with autism and responsemethods for officers in field situations. • Identify public safety risks for people who have autism, predictable contacts, and 911dispatches. • Explain the problems that a higher functioning person with autism may have incriminal justice situations.

• Provide methods for law enforcement agencies to proactively work with individuals withautism, their families, and advocacy organizations and apply tolerance and publicrelations skills when doing so. Target Audience: Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, GovernmentalAdministrative, Law Enforcement, Health Care, Public Health, Public SafetyCommunications, Citizen/Community Volunteer, Security and Safety. Registration is required: http://ready.nj.gov/training/pdf/20170811_training_application.pdf

Email completed registration forms to Kelly Boyd NJOEM:

lppboydk@gw.njsp.org or fax to: 609-6710160

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