April 29, 2024
Governor Phil Murphy has signed a proclamation, as he has repeatedly done in previous years, declaring May of this year as Mental Health Awareness Month.
As stated in Governor Murphy's proclamation, "Mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, and affect's one's physical health, relationships and ability to thrive." He also highlighted that rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental illness conditions have risen since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly increased the need for holistic and tailored mental health services.
Additionally, Governor Murphy noted that because of stigma and misinformation, individuals with mental illness are often over-represented in the criminal justice system, reside in substandard housing and institutions, are under-employed and/or lacking access to basic needs, experience severe socio-economic inequalities and disadvantage, and are impacted by co-occurring substance use and comorbid physical health conditions.
The proclamation also highlights that New Jersey is committed to providing children and adults with mental illness access to a behavioral health system that offers comprehensive, evidence-based, integrated, coordinated, person-centered services and supports that are trauma-responsive and competently and compassionately delivered. Furthermore, Governor Murphy underscores that "New Jersey is making great strides in reducing discrimination associated with a mental health diagnosis by instilling hope and by providing access to healthcare and a wide array of community-based, human and social services that assist individuals with mental illness to live a dignified life with supports and services they need to thrive."
Click here to access Governor Murphy's proclamation itself and for more information.
