Ocean County Mental Health Association asks Beach Haven to adopt ‘stigma free’ resolution

Representatives from the Ocean County Mental Health Association urged the Borough of Beach Haven to join a county-wide "stigma free" campaign and requested that the borough adopt a supporting resolution.

Michael Roach (speaker 2) told the council that 29 of Ocean County’s 33 municipalities have signed on to the stigma-free initiative and described campaign resources such as signage, mental health first-aid training and outreach materials. "We have 29 municipalities in Ocean County signed up for the stigma free campaign," Roach said as he outlined training, a friendly visitor program and pamphlet materials the county can provide.

Jennifer Gallagher (speaker 3) framed the request as a community conversation about mental health and a way to reduce barriers to treatment. "We really want to just open up the dialogue and get the conversation started about mental health," Gallagher said, adding that local dialogue can help families recognize resources and reduce isolation.

Council members discussed whether to adopt the sample resolution immediately or have staff draft a version tailored to borough needs. A municipal official (speaker 4) offered to prepare a draft for the next meeting: "I can, we can have it drafted up for the next meeting. April 30," the official said. Council members expressed general support for having a draft prepared and stressed they could edit language for uniformity or to address local concerns.

No vote on the resolution occurred at the March 26 meeting; presenters left a draft resolution in the meeting materials and said county staff would assist municipalities if Beach Haven decides to adopt it.