The Monmouth County Stigma-Free Initiative is a countywide program that aims to reduce the stigmas associated with mental illness and substance use disorder. The program helps raise awareness of the diseases of mental illness and substance use disorders to create a culture wherein residents feel supported by their community and neighbors and feel free to seek treatment for the diseases without fear of stigma. Monmouth County realized stigma was a challenge, particularly in mental health and substance use, and passed a resolution to be a stigma free County in June 2018.
The City of Asbury Park passed a resolution to be stigma free in 2019. This year, the City of Asbury Park, through the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, is taking on stigma in our community. Each month, the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, along with volunteers, will focus on at least one activity, live or virtual, to help raise awareness and discuss how stigma affects these groups or topics:
- January – Homelessness
- February – Disabilities
- March – Women
- April – Sexual Violence
- May – Children & Adult Mental Health
- June – LGTBQIA+
- July – Black Mental Health
- August – Substance Use
- September – Elderly
- October – Hispanic
- November – Indigenous Peoples
- December – Depression
Join the Mayor’s Wellness Committee to help fight stigma and make the Asbury Park community feel supported. To sign up, email Lilibeth.Corrales@cityofasburypark.com or call 732-502-4582.