Greystone Park State Psychiatric Hospital is opening its doors to the public THIS Friday, Oct. 14, for a morning of educational activities designed to reduce the stigma of mental illness and to help people get a better understanding of the issues surrounding mental illness and addictions.
To participate, you must register immediately by contacting Bill Chepiga (609-777-0709 or bchepiga@dhs.state.nj.us) or Rosalind Stewart (609-777-0525 or Rosalind.Stewart@dhs.state.nj.us).
The Open House goes hand-in-hand with Morris County’s designation as a Stigma Free community, as designated by the Board of Freeholders.
The Freeholders asked all of the county’s 39 towns to join in the countywide effort to help eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
The goal is to raising awareness of these illnesses by creating an environment where affected individuals are supported in their efforts to achieve wellness and recovery.
You can check out the Morris County Stigma Free Toolkit at: http://morriscountynj.gov/hs/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Stigma-free-toolkit.pdf
“Stigma-Free Communities aim to inspire public interest and open dialogue about stigma, and raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders,’’ said Freeholder Hank Lyon. “They create a culture in which residents with mental health and substance use disorders feel supported by their community and neighbors, and free to seek treatment without fear of stigma.’’
“We are dedicated to raising awareness of these illnesses by creating an environment where affected individuals are supported in their efforts to achieve wellness and recovery,’’ said Morris County Human Services Director Jennifer Carpinteri.
“Stigma is a barrier to wellness and recovery, and it limits a recovering person’s full social integration and return to a full and normal life,’’ added Morris County Mental Health Administrator Laurie Becker.
The Greystone Open House will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, in the auditorium at Greystone, which is located (For GPS) at 59 Koch Avenue, Morris Plains, N.J. 07950.
Some current and former patients will tell their stories of hope and their journeys –in some cases still ongoing – to recovery.
A tour also will be available for the following program areas: Art, Music, Vocational Rehabilitation, Recording Studio, Gym, Pool and the Woody Guthrie Self-Help Center.
On the day of the event, you must have a photo ID to gain admittance.
The event is sponsored by the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma and the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction.
For more information on stigma free efforts visit: http://morriscountynj.gov/hs/stigma-free/ or
https://www.nami.org/stigmafree
