Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Township Commissioners adopted a resolution on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 encouraging removal of the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders, and encouraging treatment and support. North Bergen is the first municipality in Hudson County to pass such a resolution, with Mayor Sacco expressing his hope that other communities will follow suit and help encourage those who are affected to seek services.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in four Americans has experienced mental illness, including substance use, in a given year. Mental health problems are more common than cancer and heart disease combined, affecting children and adults, including more than half of our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans treated at Veteran’s Administration hospitals.

The stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders is identified as the primary reason individuals fail to seek the help they need to recover from these disorders.

The Township of North Bergen wishes to raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, encourage a culture wherein residents with mental health and substance use disorders feel supported by their community and neighbors, and where residents feel free to seek treatment without fear of stigma.

Those with mental health or substance use disorders are encouraged to contact the North Bergen Department of Health at 201-3492-2084 so that they township may assist them in seeking treatment and support.