Governor McGreevey Declares February 14th "Stop the Stigma Day"

NJPA has successfully petitioned Governor McGreevey to declare February 14th, "Stop the Stigma Day," in recognition of the untold thousands of New Jerseyans with psychiatric disorders, who are suffering because of stigma. Almost 50% of the population suffer from mental health or addiction problems at some time in their lifetime; 1 of 5 have depression, but only 50% get treatment for an illness that is 90% treatable. Stigma is one significant barrier that is to blame for this tragic state of affairs.

Many events are planned. Signs stating, "Have a Heart. Stop the Stigma of Mental Illness" will be on the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, in our schools, on stadiums, in every emergency room in our state, and sent to every physician in our state. Letters of support have been requested from the New Freedom Commission and President Bush as well as from NAMI-New Jersey and the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. We are also requesting the support of New Jersey magazines and newspapers. Dr. O'Neill and Dr. Block (Immediate Past President of NJPA) will be guests during Valentine's Day Weekend on WOR Radio 710 AM, and the News 12 New Jersey Cable TV network. NJPA President James P. O'Neill, M.D., DFAPA states: "It is truly a worthwhile cause for the people of our state. God willing our message on Valentine's Day will help stop the stigma, will stop New Jerseyans from suffering in silence, and help get the people with mental health problems the treatment that they deserve to feel better."

The New Jersey Psychiatric Association, also supports NAMI (the nation's voice on mental illness) and NAMI-New Jersey with their ongoing anti-stigma campaign. We are strongly recommending that people show their support by wearing a silver ribbon anti-stigma pin (www.silverribbon.org).