Mental Health Association in New Jersey's Walk for Wellness and Recovery

Three
Organizations Join Forces to Celebrate
Emotional Wellness and the Recovery from Substance Misuse

The Verona-based Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) invites community
organizations, residents, neighbors and friends to participate in its upcoming
Walk/Run for Wellness and Recovery, in partnership with the National Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – NJ (NCADD-NJ) and Monarch Housing Associates.
The Walk/Run is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, at Johnson Park in
Piscataway, NJ. The Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Walk will begin at 10 a.m.
Proceeds will be used to enhance advocacy, community education, training and
services.

“Stigma from mental illness and inappropriate substance misuse is one of
the largest barriers to seeking treatment. Our sixth annual Walk/Run for
Wellness and recovery is dedicated to promoting the importance of emotional
well-being and recovery from substance misuse. By participating or sponsoring a
walker, New Jersey residents can take a stand in reducing stigma related to
this issues while promoting mental health and recovery,” said Carolyn
Beauchamp, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.

“I believe it is important for our organizations to join together in this
event. Many members of our constituent groups have the dual issues of mental
and addictive illness. We take this opportunity to work together to acknowledge
the daily reality and struggles that our populations face,” added
Wayne Wirta, President and CEO of
NCADD-NJ.

"Monarch Housing Associates
is pleased with the opportunity to partner with the Mental Health Association
of New Jersey in the Run/Walk and NCADD-NJ for Wellness and Recovery,"
stated Richard W. Brown, CEO of Monarch Housing Associates. "The event
supports Monarch’s mission and vision. Helping individuals with mental health disabilities
live in affordable homes that are integrated into the community and provide
freedom and independence is critical to our work at Monarch."

45.6 Million American adults experienced a mental health problem in 2011
-- that's as many as one out of five adults in the U.S. -- according to a report from SAMHSA (the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). One of the biggest
barriers to seeking treatment is the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

“It is important to note that many people who have mental health issues
may also be prone to challenges with substance misuse. In addition, people who
face both at the same time benefit enormously from the stability of permanent
housing,” said Ms. Beauchamp.   

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) is dedicated to
promoting good mental health for all New Jerseyans, reducing the barriers that
prevent too many people from seeking or offering help and support, and building
a stronger base of support and network of services for people with mental
health challenges. It is important to note that MHANJ's programs and services
help over 65,000 individuals each year, and that these programs and services
are provided to the public totally free of charge.

All proceeds from MHANJ’s Walk/Run for Wellness and Recovery will support
the MHANJ's advocacy and service initiatives, while also supporting the work of
its partners, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence - NJ
(NCADD-NJ) and Monarch Housing.

For more information about MHANJ’s Walk/Run for Wellness
and Recovery, visit mhanj.org, call 973-571-4100, ext. 128 or email
rmartin@mhanj.org.

MHANJ’s state headquarters is located in Verona, New Jersey; additional
offices are located in Galloway, Jersey City, Toms River and Union. For more
information about MHANJ, visit www.mhanj.org, call 973-571-4100 or follow MHANJ
on Facebook.