Community Corner
New Jersey’s Mental Health Leaders Honored by Mental Health Association in New Jersey
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) recently honored statewide leaders in mental health at its Evening of Excellence benefit.
“Our heartfelt appreciation is extended to our Golden Bell Leadership Award recipients, representing the legislative, non-profit and community arenas, they were selected on the basis of their exemplary commitment and accomplishments in improving the lives of those with mental illness in our state,” stated Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. “We also wish to acknowledge our supporters and contributors for sharing in our mission and our staff and volunteers for their dedication and innovation which are at the heart of our efforts.”
Corporate sponsors for the event included Investors Bank, Forest Laboratories, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Wakefern ShopRite. John F. McKeon, Assemblyman for the 27th Legislative District in New Jersey, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
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About the Honorees
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Governor Richard J. Codey
Governor Codey is a statewide champion for New Jerseyans with mental illness. He approaches a broad range of issues head-on, such as the need for improvements in psychiatric hospitals, fair treatment in homeless shelters, increased resources for housing and awareness of post-partum depression. His efforts have resulted in long term improvements in the mental health system.Deborah A. Megaro, CEO, Capitol County Children’s Collaborative
In her professional leadership roles in both systems and program development Deborah Megaro has made great contributions to assuring that children with mental health issues can access the services they need to reach their fullest potential.
Debi Merz, Jefferson Township Councilwoman
Debi Merz has demonstrated long term commitment to fighting the stigma of mental health issues through the many mental health related leadership positions she has held in her community. Her hard work and dedication have made a positive difference in breaking down barriers for children and parents, encouraging them to seek help before a crisis.
Attitudes In Reverse®
Tricia, Kurt and Katelyn Baker, the founders of Attitudes In Reverse have created a positive, well-received approach toward teaching young people about mental illness, educating 14,000 students in their first three years. They have used the experience of losing a loved one, their beloved son and brother, as the impetus to help others, and are dedicated to breaking down stigma and saving lives.
About the Mental Health Association in New Jersey
Since 1948, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey has worked to fulfill its mission by responding to issues and concerns raised by consumers of mental health services, and then working for changes and promoting policies that protect their rights and fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness and makes recovery difficult. The MHANJ advocates for systems change with elected and appointed government officials on the state, federal and local levels. Administrative, legal, budgetary and treatment issues that affect people with mental illness are all addressed.
MHANJ’s state headquarters is located in Verona, New Jersey; additional locations include Atlantic, Hudson, Ocean and Union Counties. For more information about MHANJ, visit www.mhanj.org, call 973-571-4100 or follow MHANJ on Facebook.
