The Plainfield City Council has passed a resolution declaring our city as a stigma free zone. This signals that community minded Plainfield residents will conduct an ongoing public education campaign to reduce the stigma that so often is associated with mental illnesses. The Plainfield Stigma Free Zone recognizes that:
1. Mental disabilities are nothing to be ashamed of. One is four are affected.
2. Behavioral health problems can be successfully treated.
3. These services are available to city residents of all ages.
Please join the Plainfield Stigma Free Zone (STZ) steering committee on Saturday, April 8 from 12 PM to 2 PM at City Hall. There will be speakers (a resident personally dealing with a mental illness; Cory Storch, Bridgeway CEO; Mayor Adrian Mapp; Mark Williams, Bridgeway Board of Trustees Chairman; Judy Sturm, CenterPath Board of Directors; and others). Mental Health First Aid classes will be held at 11 AM and 1 PM in City Hall, led by a certified instructor. Join us to show your solidarity with our cause. There will be refreshments.
More information can be found with this link:
https://werstigma-free.org
The Plainfield Stigma Free Zone initiative was inspired by similar initiatives in Bergen and Morris counties and started by Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, a non profit mental health service organization. SFZ is supported by the City of Plainfield, the Plainfield Foundation, Union County Mental Health Board, CenterPath Wellness, Park Avenue Self Help Center, Union County College, First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, United Church of Christ Congregational, RUACH Ministries, Mental Health Association of New Jersey and other stakeholders.
