County coalition gathers to focus on prevention and mental health

Avalon, NJ – October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of mental and substance misuse disorders and to celebrate recovery. In Cape May County, multiple organizations in prevention, education, law enforcement, government, health, youth-based, and religion - among many others - are coming together on Oct. 1 for a collaborative event focused on substance misuse prevention and reducing the stigma around mental illness.

With the added goal to deepen community connections and build resiliency, the Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) annual Fall Networking Breakfast will take place on Oct 1. from 8:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Icona Avalon.

The HCC, a Cape Assist initiative, works to foster more meaningful and intentional connections between youth and adults, as well as to promote cross-sector collaborations, to build a stronger community where youth can find hope, safety, and support.

Community partners will have the opportunity to network and learn through an interactive educational seminar and will hear from the keynote speaker Eric Kussin, a former sports executive and mental health advocate who overcame a severe mental health crisis. In addition to sharing his story of recovering from the mental illness and founding a global mental health movement, Kussin will offer techniques on how to initiate conversations surrounding mental health and foster an open and supportive environment.

“Each year, we come together at the annual breakfast to strengthen the connections within our organizations and build new ones, while collaborating for a common goal of building resiliency and substance misuse prevention,” said Natalia Leusner, HCC Coordinator. “We are excited to hear from this year’s keynote speaker, Eric Kussin, whose first-hand perspective on mental illness will help us explore how to start conversations about mental health with friends, loved ones and to others about oneself.”

Offering an opportunity for coalition building activities and creating ways multiple community organizations or sectors can come together, Cape May County residents and employees will have the chance to develop connections at this interactive event to further county-wide goals and address substance misuse. Participants will collaborate on methods to educate residents through a collaborative lens in an environment where everyone feels supported and part of a united team. Additionally, participants will also learn about the activities the coalition as well as Cape Assist has planned for the upcoming season and collaborate on methods to educate residents and prevent substance misuse in the community.

For Cape May County organizations and individuals interested in joining this conversation on Oct. 1, please register visiting capeassist.org/events. Space is limited. For any questions, please contact Natalia Leusner at Natalia@capeassist.org.