Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler | October 27, 2023
In these disturbing times, in which we are now witnessing terrorism against Israel and political dysfunction in Washington, D.C. on a 24-hour news cycle, it is difficult to not become affected.
For these reasons, and others, Union County has rolled out several critical and intertwined programs designed to enhance access to mental health services. The campaign is called “Stepping Up to Mental Health.”
We cannot and should not be ashamed to talk about mental health openly. A society that prioritizes mental health is happier, more productive and more fulfilled.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five of American adults experience a mental health condition each year, with less than two-thirds receiving treatment. The Alliance reports other concerning statistics:
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
- The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
- More than three quarters of Americans (77%) say they are not content with the state of mental health treatment in this country. People with a mental health condition are even more likely to say they are unhappy with mental health treatment (82%).
- 65% of Americans are concerned about the stigma around mental illness.
- Only half of Americans (52%) say they are familiar with the mental health care system.
Here are three key programs offered to Scotch Plains residents:
- ARRIVE Together
This is a mental health crisis response program available in 11 Union County municipalities, including Scotch Plains. The program provides individuals in crisis with help as quickly and effectively as possible. When 9-1-1 is called relating to a mental health crisis, the program sends response teams comprising local police officers who are trained in crisis intervention, along with mental health professionals who can help de-escalate the situation and avoid the use of force.
The ARRIVE Together teams also follow up later to ensure the person is receiving the help they need. In addition, the program provides for teams to connect with individuals in their community who may benefit from outreach efforts.
For more information, there is a video available here. You can also call an action line at 908-677-5405.
- Pediatric Collaborative Care Center
Union County is allocating $5 million in federal funds for the construction of a mental health training facility that prepares the next generation of specialists to better serve our community, as well as connecting primary care providers with behavioral health clinicians, psychiatrists, and mental health experts.
The funding, through the American Rescue Plan, embeds behavioral health clinicians in local pediatric primary care practices. The focus is areas where younger residents have difficulty getting pediatric mental health care, as we continue to face a national youth mental health crisis exacerbated during the pandemic.
- The Safe Place Initiative
Scotch Plains is a state leader in promoting the “Safe Place,” a community initiative that bolsters the safety and mental health of marginalized people. The Scotch Plains Police Department is the 332nd law enforcement agency in the United States, Canada and Europe to sign on. There is no cost to join or maintain the program.
Any victim of a hate crime can go to various “safe places” around town, such as the public library, the JCC, the Stage House Tavern and many others. Owners and managers have received training from the Scotch Plains Police Department. They have two key responsibilities: to immediately dial 911 and to allow a victim to remain on premises until police arrive.
Through the Safe Place Initiative, victims can be assured they have a place to go, to be heard, where they can be treated with dignity and respect. They will find welcoming people, as well as the resources of our police officers, who will respond within minutes.
The Safe Place Initiative is for all hate crimes involving race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, mental, physical, or sensory disabilities, homelessness, marital status, political ideology, age, or parental status.
Participating entities throughout Scotch Plains have a decal affixed to their front glass, showing them as a “Safe Place” for any individual to enter and call law enforcement should they feel unsafe.
As an elected official, I am pleased that local government, mental health professionals in our community and other advocates are working together to improve access to care in Scotch Plains.
Let’s work together to reduce stigma, and advocate for more accessibility to treatment, as we promote mental health awareness and greater understanding.
