Paramus becoming a ‘Stigma-Free Zone’

09 Oct 2013 In the News No Comments

From NorthJersey.com – October 9, 2013

“These are definitely little things, but really, it’s about getting a dialogue going,” Uzzi said. “Part of our mission is to get people talking about mental health, and so far I think we’re being effective. We have a long way to go, but we’re getting out there.”

A group of dance professionals from Paramus High School, Bergen Community College, Paramus Catholic High School, Ridgewood High School and Center Stage School of Dance are putting together a performance that will be delivered to students at the high school and college levels, according to Uzzi.

The Board of Education has also become involved with the program, officially passing a resolution supporting the effort at a recent meeting, according to Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Rota, who serves on the Stigma-Free Zone taskforce. The district hopes to become stigma-free for students, and the partnership with Care Plus will give staff members an opportunity to receive additional training for helping with mental illness.

The district already has an anti-bullying program in place that focuses on students respecting others regardless of differences, and working with the initiative is an opportunity to work mental health education into the curriculum, according to Rota. Read more…