In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton and The Municipality of Princeton hoisted a bright green flag today at 1 Monument Drive, reinforcing the message that no one needs to manage mental health challenges alone.
“The act of raising a flag serves as a reminder that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being,” said Catholic Charities’ Chief Nurse Executive Dr. Lisa Merritt, “and we all need to be active participants in reducing the stigma around behavioral health conditions.”
"Mental Health Awareness Month is of vital importance to communities everywhere. It reminds us of the ever-present stigma surrounding mental health and the challenges of mental health treatment that continue to impact individuals, families, and diverse communities here in Princeton and New Jersey,” said Mark Freda, Mayor of the Municipality of Princeton.
“We're proud to support this initiative with the raising of a flag in partnership with Princeton Integrated Behavioral Health (PIBH), an organization that recently teamed up with our Health and Community Services Department to provide Princeton residents an increased range of robust substance use and mental health services at a significantly reduced cost to the Municipality. By leveraging the Certified Community Behavioral Health Model, this partnership with PIBH has integrated and connected Princeton residents with a larger network of county, state, and federal services. We look forward to working with PIBH to expand our services so more people in Princeton can access the support they need," he added.
The ceremony included remarks from NJAMHAA's Vice President of Public Affairs and Member Services Shauna Moses. Additionally, New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute (NJHCQI) Director of Community Health Julie DeSimone attended the event and presented Mayor Mark Freda with a plaque celebrating the Municipality’s status as a Healthy Town.
For more information on behavioral health services available through Catholic Charities, visit: https://lnkd.in/eEGQrfD
#MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #CatholicCharitiesTrenton
Executive Director at Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton
2moCongratulations! It is a well-deserved recognition.