Stigma-Free Zone movement spreads in North Jersey
From NorthJersey.com – May 21, 2014
Nearly one year after Paramus declared itself Bergen County’s first Stigma-Free Zone, other North Jersey towns, as well as the county, are poised to develop similar initiatives aimed at educating the public about mental illness.
Mary Ann Uzzi first approached Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera last May about creating a mental health awareness task force, and by July the borough declared itself a Stigma-Free Zone.
The group, with Uzzi as chairwoman, spreads its message largely by hosting events in conjunction with other community groups. It also hosts its own events, including a town hall forum on the topic earlier this month and a public dance performance by local high school students at Paramus Park mall in January. And it trains members of the community in handling mental health crises.
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