Montclair Becomes “Stigma Free Town,” Helping To Eliminate Barrier to Mental Health Treatment

You might have seen some bright green signs (we spotted this one on Bellevue near Brookdale Park) announcing that “Montclair is a Stigma Free Town.”

The Stigma Free Town movement is the brainchild of The Codey Fund for Mental Health, established in 2012 by Governor Richard Codey and his wife Mary Jo. The program aims to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health illness–the biggest barrier between the people suffering with mental health disorders and the treatment that can change their lives. The campaign was first adopted in Hoboken, with Paramus, West Caldwell and Maplewood, among the towns participating.

One in five Americans have experienced some sort of mental illness according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Mental health problems are more common than cancer and heart disease combined, yet the stigma associated with mental illness can prevent many people from seeking help or talking about the issue.

Mental health statistics for veterans are particularly concerning. Approximately 50% of returning service members who need treatment for mental health conditions seek it, but only slightly more than half who receive treatment receive adequate care, according to SAMHSA. In the five years from 2005 to 2009, more than 1,100 members of the Armed Forces took their own lives, an average of 1 suicide every 36 hours. The Army suicide rate reached an all-time high in 2012.

Montclair Council passed a resolution on June 9 declaring the town Stigma Free. Bloomfield followed, passing its resolution on June 15.

In addition to the signs, Montclair is hoping to get Senator Codey to attend a regular council meeting to talk about the Codey Fund for Mental Health.