The Somerset County Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Stigma Free Committee, is hosting the 2026 Somerset County Stigma Free Summit from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Raritan Valley Community College, located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg.

“Seeking help takes tremendous courage and should not be associated with feelings of shame, guilt, or fear,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner, liaison to the Human Services department. “This event is a safe place to find community support and life-saving resources to help someone on their recovery journey.”

This year’s theme, “Nourishment: Mind, Body, and Soul,” highlights the importance of practicing self-care, destigmatizing substance use, and understanding the complexity of mental health with compassion.

“The theme this year reminds us that wellness is not one-dimensional. True healing and resilience come from caring for the whole person — mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially,” said Lisa Federico, Director, Division of Operations and Planning. “The Stigma Free Summit creates space for meaningful conversations, connection, and education that encourage our community to support one another with compassion and understanding. Somerset County remains committed to ensuring residents know they are not alone and that support, resources, and care are available to help them navigate life’s challenges. By reducing stigma, we help empower individuals and families to seek help and prioritize their wellbeing.”

All are welcome to attend the free, in-person Summit to connect with community members, local leaders, and individuals with lived experiences to engage in impactful conversations that promote holistic wellness.

“The Summit offers attendees an opportunity to learn practical strategies for supporting whole-person wellness while engaging in meaningful conversations about mental health and stigma reduction,” said Lisette Turner, Mental Health Administrator/AFN Coordinator. “Participants will leave with greater understanding, empathy, and tools to promote resilience and compassion.”

In addition to networking opportunities, attendees can participate in open-forum panel discussions, meet with service providers, and listen to the event’s keynote speaker, Mary Kindig, Clinical Director of Safe Place Counseling and Therapy Center.

The keynote address will address the underlying reasons many individuals may struggle with substance use, gambling, and other addictive behaviors. Participants will gain insight into the eight dimensions of wellness and examine helpful and unhelpful coping mechanisms that are commonly used to manage stress and emotional pain.

The final deadline to register for the event is Friday, May 22, 2026. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/SCSFS26. For more information, email stigmafree@somersetcountynj.gov or visit https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/human-services/stigma-free. 

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