AT THE ESSEX COUNTY HOSPITAL CENTER IN CEDAR GROVE

Essex County Executive Di Vincenzo invites public to first mental health awareness month open house

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Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites the public to attend the first Mental Health Awareness Month Open House at the Essex County Hospital Center in Cedar Grove. The goal of the day-long event is to raise awareness about mental health, to educate the public about behaviors that increase the risk of developing mental illness and to break down barriers about the stigma of mental illness. It will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, May 20, 2017

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Place: Essex County Hospital Center

204 Grove Avenue

Cedar Grove, NJ

“Our First Annual Essex County Mental Health Awareness Day is an opportunity to break down the stereotypes and overcome the stigma of mental illness. We look forward to welcoming you to the Essex County Hospital Center to learn about the programs, services and agencies available to help individuals affected by mental illness and their families,” DiVincenzo said.

About 20 local social service providers will be on hand to promote programs and services that can help individuals affected by mental illness and provide support for their families. In addition, there will be information about different types of mental illness and risky behaviors that can cause mental illness. In addition, mental health assessments and medical screenings will be offered. An attraction of the day will be an exhibit of paintings, drawings and sculptures created by people coping with mental illness.

The open house is being held during the month of May, which traditionally has been designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme of this year is “Risky Business” to educate the public about habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illnesses, or could be signs of mental health problems themselves. These factors include risky sex, prescription drug misuse, internet addiction, excessive spending, marijuana use and troublesome exercise.