Hanover Twp. Becomes 7th "Stigma Free" Morris Municipality

HANOVER TWP., N.J.– Hanover Township is now the seventh Morris County municipality to become "Stigma Free."

The Board of Freeholders this spring passed a resolution designating Morris County as a Stigma-Free County and asked the county’s 39 towns to enroll, according to Morris County Communications and Digital Media Manager Larry Ragonese.

Hanover joins Boonton, Denville, East Hanover, Jefferson, Madison and Rockaway Township in the effort, Ragonese said.

The township committee voted in favor of becoming "stigma free," joining the countywide effort to help eradictate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, Ragonese said.

"Hanover Township is proud to join Morris County and other communities in standing up against stigmatizing individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders," said Hanover Mayor Ronald F. Francioli. "As a stigma-free community, we want individuals to feel free to seek help and rehabilitation without fear of judgment or reprisal."

Added Deputy Freeholder Director Hank Lyon: "Stigma-Free communities aim to inspire public interest and open dialogue about stigma, raise awareness of mental health and substance use disorders and create a culture in which residents with mental health and substance use disorders feel supported by their community and neighbors."

Mental health conditions, including alcohol and substance use disorders, are the leading cause of disability in the United States and Canada, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, according to The World Health Organization.

According to Ragonese, Morris County’s goal in creating a Stigma Free initiative is to disseminate information and foster a stigma-free environment where people are free from judgment and can get the help they need to recover.

Images courtesy County of Morris