Union County hosts events to promote mental health awareness

Union County is marking Mental Health Awareness Month with a series of community-focused events and initiatives aimed at promoting mental wellness and providing residents access to important resources. The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services are coordinating these efforts.

The highlights of the month include a virtual webinar on the ARRIVE Together program, a Community Mental Health Resource Fair, and a countywide initiative encouraging residents to wear green on Mental Health Action Day to show their support for mental health awareness.

Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon emphasized the importance of mental health, stating, “Mental health is public health, and supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of our residents is a priority for Union County.” She acknowledged that many people face mental health challenges and may feel isolated or unsure about where to seek help. The county aims to raise awareness and ensure residents know that support is accessible.

The virtual webinar on the ARRIVE Together program will take place on Wednesday, May 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This program pairs mental health professionals with law enforcement officers to respond to mental health crises with empathy and understanding. Panelists will include representatives from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, RWJBH Trinitas Regional Medical Center, and local law enforcement. Residents can register for the webinar at ucnj.org/mental-health.

Additionally, the Community Mental Health Resource Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at 11:30 a.m. at the Roselle Memorial Library, located at 104 West 4th Ave, Roselle, NJ. This fair will connect residents with local organizations, offer wellness tools, and provide information about mental health services available to individuals and families.

On Mental Health Action Day, which falls on Thursday, May 15, residents are encouraged to wear green to increase awareness and show their solidarity with mental health initiatives. Statistics indicate that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, and 1 in 6 youth aged 6 to 17 face mental health conditions. The message is clear: individuals are not alone, and help is available.

For those seeking immediate assistance, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988, providing 24/7 support for individuals in crisis or emotional distress. This service is free and confidential, ensuring that those in need can access help anytime.

Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services, stated, “We want everyone in Union County to know they are supported and that resources are available no matter where they are in their mental health journey.” She emphasized the importance of feeling recognized and heard, whether someone is seeking help for the first time or managing a long-term condition.

The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse also urges residents to contact NJ Mental Health Cares for support and information. This service, staffed by trained professionals, offers emotional support, problem assessment, and referrals, free of charge and with multilingual assistance.

To learn more about the events and programs offered by the Department of Human Services during Mental Health Awareness Month, visit ucnj.org/dhs.