What's Happening in Northvale, NJ…

Northvale's governing body has joined a countywide effort to dispel myths about mental illness.

On July 8, the Council and Mayor approved a measure that would create a so-called ‘Stigma-Free Zone’, replicating a step already taken by other municipalities.

According to the resolution, a Stigma-Free Zone is a space in which people with mental health issues can feel free to look for help without fear of being stigmatized for it. The zone also hopes to create public interest in the issue so that mental illnesses can be discussed openly, while also building a culture in which residents who are struggling with mental illness feel that they have the support of others.

Ed Piehler, the mayor of Northvale, said declaring the city a stigma-free place and increasing the level of general knowledge about mental health can only be a good thing. The initiative allows people who need it to seek help, and find out what resources are available to them.

Stigma-Free Zones help to promote awareness of the fact that mental health is part of a person's overall fitness. Making people aware of the mind and body connection can encourage people to be aware of their own mental and emotional state, and ask for help if they need it.

Northvale officials might work with a flyer printing company on a mailer announcing the forming of the zone, along with its aims.