Stigma-free Communities
 
Creating Stigma-Free Communities
 
The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club is emphasizing Mental Health as part of this year’s Rotary theme “Create Hope in the World”.   The theme calls on Rotarians to inspire and to restore hope through the projects they champion. 
 
The club is raising awareness concerning mental health issues in multiple ways:
  • We've begun to schedule meetings focusing on the topic,
  • We are offering Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training to help identify and assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. 
  • We're asking Fanwood and Scotch Plains residents and businesses to take the mental health Stigma-Free Community Pledge.
We kicked off the mental health awareness campaign at our February 28, 2024 evening meeting.  The featured speakers were Ray Freaney of the Mental Health Associates Rotary Club and Mary Clair Givelber of Caring Contact.  Mary spoke about services her organization provides for those experiencing a mental crisis, including the 988 Suicide Hot Line and Crisis Lifeline.  Further information about the hotline can be found at caringcontact.org.
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The Stigma-free Pledge
 
 
By taking this pledge, I will:
1. Educate myself about mental health disorders, substance use disorders, disabilities or differences;
2. Check myself by changing any discriminatory language I use - words matter;
3. Object to any labels that turn individuals into things;
4. Raise awareness by taking any opportunity to educate others; and
5. Know it starts with me.
 
These action steps lead to the positive improvement of the lives of individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders. These steps also help individuals to fully participate in society in areas as basic as education, housing, and employment.
 
 
Download the pledge here - sign and initial the pledge and email to fsprotarystigmafree@gmail.com