Art and Awareness for Mental Health

The numbers are staggering, but still, the issue of mental health often goes unnoticed in Monmouth County, even with one out of every four people suffering from a mental illness at some point in their lives.

At Thursday night, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County hosted an art show and taste of Red Bank to help raise money, and awareness, for those suffering from mental illness. The countywide health organization, based in Shrewsbury, helps thousands of individuals each year through a variety of outreach programs.

The $250 a head price tag bought contributors plenty of fine food delivered by local eateries like , , and the , among others, as well as a piece of fine art, all of which were donated.

“What we’re hoping to accomplish is to broaden the community’s awareness of our agency and to raise funds for the various programs we support,” MHA Executive Director Wendy DePedro said.

Awareness is key, DePedro said. Though many suffer from any number of mental health issues both large and small, the stigma associated with mental health illness leads many to forgo treatment, often to the detriment of themselves and their families. The MHA not only helps fund housing centers and treatment for mental illness, but also helps direct those looking for help to the proper channels.

Ginger Mulligan served as executive director of the association for 23 years, stepping down five years ago and returning to a volunteer role. The MHA has grown significantly over the years, she said, and she hopes some of the association’s efforts to help spread awareness have helped.

“We’re here to help people figure out how to navigate the maze of mental health, to figure out which direction is best to take,” she said.

To learn more about the MHA, or to contribute, visit the association’s website at http://www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org/