Community partners convene for annual event focusing on mental health

Avalon, NJ – Earlier this month, nearly 100 advocates and community partners came together to collaborate and address the impacts of substance misuse in Cape May County. With a focus on reducing stigma around mental illness through storytelling and the shared commonality of its widespread impacts, the theme of the event was reinforced through personal messages of hope and recovery. The Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition (HCC), a community initiative of Cape Assist, held its annual Fall Networking Breakfast on Oct. 1 at the Icona Avalon.

Individuals in attendance included those representing the areas of recovery and prevention along with education, law enforcement, government, health, local youth-based and faith-based organizations. Other special guests included Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, Commissioner Will Morey, Commissioner Melanie Collette, and Commissioner Bobby Barr.

The keynote address by Eric Kussin focused on the normalization of conversations around mental illness through shared experiences. Kussin, a former sports executive and now a mental health advocate, told his story of recovering from mental illness and founding a global mental health movement. While sharing intimate details of his inspirational journey, Kussin offered practical insights and techniques on how to initiate conversations surrounding mental health and ways to foster an open and supportive environment which in turn allows for healing and recovery.

“Mental health impacts every individual,” said Cape Assist’s Executive Director and CEO Katie Faldetta. “As Eric explained, seeking help is a critical step in navigating personal struggles or the struggles of others. Events like these offer an opportunity for likeminded individuals and organizations to come together, share experiences, and ultimately work to build a stronger, more supportive community.”

At the event, attendees networked and built connections to further county-wide goals of addressing substance misuse. Joe Faldetta, Cape Assist’s Director of Prevention Services, led a team-building activity in which different cohorts worked together to create a group resume. This activity highlighted the wealth of experience in the room, and the power of collaboration when working together and combining shared resources, talents and expertise.

“Each year, we look forward to coming together to share resources, collaborate and work towards the common goal of creating healthy and safe communities,” said Natalia Leusner, HCC Coordinator. “Eric Kussin’s first-hand perspective was motivational and inspirational, helping guide us on the importance of having conversations about mental health with friends and loved ones.”

For 17 years, the Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) has held this event as an opportunity for prevention and recovery organizations to come together, share resources and build coalition. The HCC works to foster meaningful and intentional connections between youth and adults, and promote cross-sector collaborations, to build a stronger community where youth can find hope, safety, and support. The HCC promotes and coordinates partnerships between local organizations and individuals with the goal of creating environments that are alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free.

Additionally, participants learned about the activities HCC and Cape Assist have planned for the upcoming season as well as other resources and free programs offered by Cape Assist such as such as Mental Health First Aid workshops (MHFA) for both youth and adults, and the Question, Persuade, Refer Training (QPR).

The MHFA workshop guides participants on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge or crisis and participate in a 5-step action plan to support the individual and refer to appropriate help. Topics discussed include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. This program especially benefits employers, police, hospital staff, and first responders. The Youth MHFA was developed for teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, and adults working with youth (12-18). During the program, participants learn how to identify and respond to adolescent mental health and substance use challenges such as eating disorders, ADHD, crisis interaction, support strategies, trauma, self-care, social media and bullying impact, among others.

The QPR training offers guidance on early intervention and how we can all play a role in suicide prevention by learning signs and symptoms and how to ask the question, offer hope and connect individuals with resources in the community.

All three programs are evidence-based curriculums and include certifications. MHFA is through the National Council on Mental Wellbeing, and the QPR is through the QPR institute. Participants can register for upcoming classes at www.capeassist.org/events.

To learn more about the HCC and Cape Assist upcoming events, workshops, and programs, visit cmchcc.org and capeassist.org.