NewBridge Services Raises Awareness Of The Importance Of Mental Health, Impact Of Inadequate State Funding
Pompton Plains, NJ - May 6, 2004 - NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit, community provider of premier health and education programs and services, hosted a press conference as the kick-off of a month-long campaign to impress the importance of taking care of one's own mental health and raise awareness of inadequate state funding for the community mental health system. The kick-off event, held at NewBridge's Crossroads Building in Pompton Plains on Thursday, May 6, 2004, included perspectives from mental health professionals, mental health clients, and elected officials on the important issues impacting mental healthcare in New Jersey.
"NewBridge has embarked on this month-long campaign to emphasize the need for adequate state funding, not only for those who are chronically mentally ill but for all New Jersey residents," said Robert L. Parker, Executive Director, NewBridge Services, Inc. "Many people overlook their emotions when evaluating their overall health; however, it is important to remember that our emotional health affects all aspects of our day-to-day life - work, school, our social life - and should not be ignored. It is critical for each of us to take care of our own mental health."
Julia Wilcox Rathkey, author and a NewBridge client, was the keynote speaker for the event. Her heart-wrenching speech provided a first-hand perspective on the importance of mental health care. Rathkey, shared excerpts from her book, "What Children Need When They Grieve," which chronicles the loss of her husband at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and the way she and her three children, with the support of friends, the community and NewBridge, were able to move forward and heal. Rathkey's journey illustrates that most of us will have to deal with a mental health issue, such as the loss of a loved one, at some point in our life. Fortunately, NewBridge Services and other mental health care facilities are available to help those in need.
In addition, Debra Wentz, PhD, CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHA), the statewide trade association for mental health agencies, discussed the impact that inadequate state funding for the community mental health system in New Jersey is having on those it serves.
"The state must live up to its promises," said Wentz, "to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents with mental illness receive the services they desperately need."
Earlier this year, NJAMHA launched its "Broken Promises, Shattered Lives" campaign, to fight for a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the community mental health system and work toward an overall improvement of the mental healthcare system in New Jersey. Several member agencies, including NewBridge, have joined the campaign.
About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.
| Contact NewBridge Services, Inc. 973-839-2520 info@newbridge.org |
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