Somerset County
Home MenuEvents
STIGMA FREE SOMERSET COUNTY
What is the Stigma Free Campaign?
The Stigma Free Campaign is an initiative of the Somerset County Department of Human Services to raise awareness about the tangible impact that mental health stigma has in the community. Stigma is the practice of associating negative stereotypes with certain memberships or characteristics, such as substance use disorders, race, social class, income, intellectual or developmental disability status. This can create barriers and challenges that could be eliminated in relationships, housing, employment, and education. Many are ostracized, isolated, and rejected based on perceived differences and societal values.
We are Stigma Free Somerset County. Some of our members live with mental health and/or substance use disorder and some do not, but we all believe that stigma is harmful. Through personal stories and testimonies, we show that a person with a condition is just as valid as someone without. Embracing a stigma free culture encourages dignity and respect for residents of Somerset County, reduces fear of judgment as a barrier, and celebrates the differences that make our community diverse and multi-faceted.
Looking for help?
Connect with our Behavioral Health System Navigator
If you or a loved one are seeking help with connecting to substance use and/or mental health treatment, or support, please contact Lturner@somersetcountynj.gov or 908-704-6302.
Click on the link to learn more: Behavioral Health System Navigator
What can you do to help?
The group looks for opportunities to engage the general public to spread awareness to those who do not know the real experiences of those living daily with a mental health condition or co-occurring mental health and addictions.
- Educate yourself about stigma and how it affects our community
- Join us at the Stigma Free Zoom Meetings
- Take the Pledge
- Speak with others about normalizing the experiences of mental health and addiction
- Download and share the toolkit, logos, and Words Matter language guide on social media
- For more information and access to a variety of services please utilize our Somerset County Human Services Guide
- Request a training/event with any of our partners:
- Stigma Free Somerset County: overview of mental health and addiction education, stigma, and showcases personal testimony from a Somerset County community member who tells about their own experiences and perspectives
- Mental Health First Aid with EmPoWER Somerset
- Narcan training with STS or Community in Crisis
- NAMI NJ: In Our Own Voice Presentation
- Lifelines Teen Suicide Prevention Training with the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
- Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training
- Give Food Assistance
- Other training topics around mental health education and resources
Do you have feedback or ideas about the initiative? Think something is missing? This is a community initiative and should reflect our community. Please send comments and questions to stigmafree@somersetcountynj.gov.
Contact for more information: stigmafree@somersetcountynj.gov or 908-704-6300
Resources
COVID Connect: COVID CONNECT, operated by Rutgers UBHC, makes available brief treatment to address individuals’ behavioral health needs resulting from the impact of the pandemic. The service is provided both in person/face-to-face and via telehealth. It is available to New Jerseyans statewide.
988: Starting July 16, people seeking mental health services can call 988 to access counselors and response teams at the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Calls will be redirected to the current number, 1-800-273-8255, which will stay operational during and after the 988 expansion.
Somerset County Resources and Publications: Here you will find brochures and information regarding services located throughout the county for mental health and substance use services, housing, food, legal, childcare, and other services.
How to Find Mental Health Resources (PDF): A snapshot at ways to enter the mental health system within Somerset County
NAMI NJ: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Each County has its own chapter providing support groups, information and referral, fundraisers, and other events. NAMI has 4 Multicultural Initiatives focused on the cultural experiences of mental health.