Franklin proclaims Mental Health Awareness Month; Stigma Free Council seeking sign-ups and volunteers

Franklin Township’s council on Tuesday proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and spotlighted the work of the local Stigma Free Council, which is recruiting residents to sign a pledge and join its outreach efforts.

Councilman James Fasanello read the proclamation noting the prevalence of mental illness and the township’s partnership with the Stigma Free Council to reduce stigma and expand local access to treatment. "May is Mental Health Awareness Month," Fasanello said. "Franklin Township is a leader... to end stigma and to increase access to treatment services through the efforts of the Franklin Township Stigma Free Council."

Representatives of the Stigma Free Council asked residents to sign the township’s pledge at two public computers set up in the municipal building hallway and at a paper sign-up board. The council also announced a speaker event planned for 6:30 p.m. on June 1 entitled Stand Together: Veterans Suicide Awareness, with a speaker from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Donna Lisi, chair of the advisory board of health, said the advisory board coordinates with the Stigma Free Council and described the council’s programming and monthly meetings at the Community Senior Center on the third Wednesday. "We are united in creating programming and education opportunities... to battle stigma," Lisi said.

Stigma Free Council members encouraged residents to contact the township for resources and to participate in education events and free pledge sign-ups. The council said green lighting of municipal buildings during May is part of broader New Jersey Mental Health Association activities to raise awareness.

Officials asked staff to continue connecting the Stigma Free Council with township outreach and to publicize events and pledge locations on the municipal website.