May is Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated each year since 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.Â
“The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
For more than 20 years, SAMHSA has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.
SAMHSA’s mission is to “lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring access and better outcomes for all,” according to its website, SAMHSA.gov.
SAMHSA was established by Congress in 1992 to provide leadership, support programs and services, and devote resources to helping the United States act on the knowledge that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover.
Locally, coordination of mental health efforts resides under the Mental Health and Addiction Services within the Cumberland County Government. https://www.cumberlandcountynj.gov/mental-health-addiction-services. There is a 24-hour hotline maintained for those in crisis: 856-455-5555. Visit the website to learn about the various programs and services available.
Also locally, the Mental Health and Addictions Board is planning a fun day for the whole family on Saturday, May 17, at Anthony Campanella Park (429 W. Elmer Road, Vineland) in recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. A one-mile fun walk will be followed by an afternoon of wellness activities, food, fun and fellowship. The theme is, “You are Never Alone.” There is no charge to attend!
At 12:45 p.m., walkers will assemble at the pavilion for a one-mile walk around the lake. Activities will be held between 2 and 4 p.m. You can expect an ice cream truck (free treats!), face painting and balloons, the Bridgeton City Critter Corner mobile van, karaoke and dancing, volleyball, frisbee golf, and crafts.
Good mental health, like everything else in life, needs to be nurtured and properly maintained. When mental illness occurs, proper diagnosis and prompt interventions quite often mean the difference between suffering and success. All of us need to learn all we can to be advocates for ourselves and our loved ones. Education leads to healthy outcomes!
The Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board actively promotes awareness of stigma and the need for public education regarding mental health and addiction. The Board meets monthly, and the public is invited to attend. Refer to the meeting schedule on the Cumberland County website for meeting dates. The Board is also seeking new members. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and a resume to Melissa Niles, Cumberland County Human Services, 70 W. Broad Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or melissani@cumberlandcountynj.gov
