Stigma Free Resolution

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND DESIGNATING PISCATAWAY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS STIGMA-FREE

WHEREAS, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly 1 in 5 adults lives with a mental illness, and approximately 22% of adolescents ages 13 to 18 experience some form of mental illness, and

WHEREAS, the stigma associated with the disease of mental illness is identified as the primary reason individuals fail to seek the help they need to recover from this disease, and

WHEREAS, promoting awareness that good health includes mental health, and

WHEREAS, given the serious nature of this public health problem, we must continue to reach the millions who need help especially in our school community, and

WHEREAS, Stigma‐Free communities aim to inspire hope, raise awareness about mental health and local resources, and create a supportive treatment culture,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Piscataway Board of Education supports and encourages efforts to provide resources, raise mental health awareness and destigmatize mental illness, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Piscataway School District be hereby designated a Stigma-Free educational district.