Ramsey Will Wear Green In Support Of Mental Health Awareness

RAMSEY, NJ — Ramsey residents who want to show their support for mental health awareness month can wear the color green and shine a light with a luminaria outside of their homes this Thursday.

The event is planned by Ramsey Stigma Free, a community program that aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

There are a few other different ways to participate this Thursday and show a willingness to learn about the issue. For example, you can take the stigma free pledge online, which encourages people to be open-minded and inclusive to those with differences such as mental illness, physical and developmental disabilities, race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or religion.

Those who want to shine a light in front of their house can order the luminaria package from Ramsey Stigma Free with a $10 donation. It comes with a candle and some swag. You can also download a print-out of a window sign.

There won't be a Stigma Free Walk and Talk a Thon like in previous years. However, the effects of social isolation due to COVID-19 have further strengthened the organization's efforts.

"In a time where social interaction and many forms of socialization feel limited, it has never been more important to support one another mentally and emotionally," the organization's website reads.