Do you have Stigma?
Stigma is when someone, including yourself, negatively views a person just because they have a mental health condition. The most common are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Affective Disorder
- Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses
- Dementia
Wayne Township recently made the first steps towards eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness.
The elimination of mental health stigma will allow residents to get the resources they need without judgment. Wayne Township hopes to raise awareness of the disease of mental illness, provide an effective way to reduce the stigma associated with the disease, and encourage those who are affected to seek services and feel supported.
The establishment of this Stigma‐Free Zone will raise awareness of local and county‐wide mental health resources so no one resident needs to feel hopeless or alone. The elimination of stigma will enable residents to ask for help when needed so recovery can begin, hope is inspired and tragedies are avoided.
Mayor Vergano and Wayne Township representatives have passed a resolution designating the municipality a Stigma‐Free Zone. The “Stigma‐Free” initiative aims to create an environment in which residents will feel free to seek treatment for the disease of mental illness without the fear of being stigmatized.
Help us in our quest to reduce Stigma in Wayne. To learn more about getting involved contact the Wayne Alliance at (973) 694-1800 x3244 or email the Alliance.
- Mental Health and Addiction Services Division: The Passaic County government coordinates county-wide care. You can reach the main office at (973) 881-2834.
- Mental Health Center of Passaic: Provides outpatient services, counseling, and psychiatric care.
- MHA of Essex and Morris: Serves Northern New Jersey with supportive mental health programs. Call their support line at (973) 509-9777 or explore MHA Inspire to find localized assistance.
- NJ4S Passaic County: Provides free, prevention-focused mental health and wellness services tailored to students and families.
- Circle of Care for Passaic County: Assists families navigating children’s mental health systems.
Local Events & Public Meetings
- Mental Health Board | Passaic County, NJ: Public meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. to help identify community priorities and shape policy.
- CIACC Meetings: The Passaic County Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council (CIACC) holds regular meetings addressing youth mental health.
- NAMI New Jersey: Offers local affiliates, educational events, and peer support groups.
- One in five youth live with a mental health condition. Understand some warning signs.
- The National Council on Aging offers 7 Ways Older Adults Can Manage Their Mental Health.
- To learn more about the Stigma-Free campaign, visit: Nami.org or click our flyer for more details.
- Search for needed services such as medical care, housing, food, job training, legal services, and more: help.impactpassaic.com
