Shore House member and Board member Albert Rocky is presented with a certificate from Susan M. Kiley of Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners declaring May 3 Shore House Day.
Local Dignitaries Join Together in Long Branch to Help Increase Awareness
Long Branch, NJ, May 4, 2021 — Shore House kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month yesterday in Long Branch, NJ. Together with other members of the Monmouth County Stigma-Free Action Committee they announced a commitment to expanding Monmouth County’s stigma-free initiative throughout Long Branch. The group also honored Ocean Place Resort & Spa for its dedication by celebrating the two-year anniversary of Shore House member Stefanina Samuel’s employment with them as part of Shore House’s Supportive Employment Program.
To help shed light on the mental health crisis Shore House today published the new e-booklet Prioritizing Mental Health: Mental Health Awareness Month 2021
Shore House member Stefanina Samuel, joined by her sisters Teresa Marie Carusone (left) and Filomena Citarella (right). Stefanina was celebrated for her work at Long Branch’s Ocean Place Resort & Spa.
At the ceremony, Susan M. Kiley (Deputy Director of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and liaison to the County’s Department of Human Services and Division of Behavioral Health) began by recognizing the importance mental health plays in overall wellbeing and reinforcing the need to work together to end the stigma. She also presented Shore House with a certificate recognizing May 3 as Shore House Day in Monmouth County from this year on. Monmouth County officials NJ Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, Long Branch Mayor John Pallone and Long Branch Councilperson Anita Voogt joined the conversation, sharing local initiatives along with personal stories and connections to the cause. Additional remarks were made by Associate Professor of Psychology at Brookdale Community College Christine Greco, and Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Sirianni. Phyllis Fritz, Director of Operations at Ocean Place Resort & Spa; Sylvia Jacobs, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at RWJ Barnabas Health; and Commissioner Ross Licitra also attended.
The group joined together to draw attention to the current mental health and wellness crisis in New Jersey. One in five Americans live with a mental illness. That means in New Jersey, the number is 1.7 million and more than 123,000 in Monmouth County alone. From employment to isolation to disruptions in mental health services, people living with a mental illness need services and support more than ever. COVID-19’s impact on mental health will continue to affect people of all ages and backgrounds and will likely outlast the pandemic itself.
Members of Shore House introduced their Kindness Rocks campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month.
“We’re at a crucial crossroads where the fallout from this silent ‘parallel pandemic’ needs our immediate focus and attention. It is more important than ever to acknowledge and prioritize mental health,” said Shore House Board President Peder Hagberg. “Our goal is to help increase awareness and visibility for these issues in New Jersey, ultimately ending the stigma and securing the support of our community, businesses and elected officials. We believe we can truly make a difference, together.”
“Stigma is toxic to an individual’s mental health, and it creates an environment of fear, shame and silence that prevents people from seeking help and treatment or even talking with their loved ones about the challenges they face. Without the ability to open up and discuss these challenges, it is likely they will not seek treatment,” added Susan M. Kiley. “I urge Monmouth County residents and businesses who are not affected by mental illness to be considerate and have empathy for our neighbors who suffer in silence. Together we can take proactive steps in the right direction and encourage these affected to ask for help.”
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