TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee is hosting a Trunk or Treat event aimed at “Scaring Away Stigma” related to mental health. Scheduled for October 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the event will take place on the fourth floor of the Ocean County Parking Garage in Downtown Toms River.
The initiative is a joint effort between the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee, which is a coalition of community organizations, and the Ocean County Department of Human Services. A total of 34 partners and 45 trunks are set to participate, offering a range of information and resources for families.
Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea said, “Events like this offer residents a chance to engage with stigma-free partners and gather information while enjoying a safe environment for children to collect Halloween treats.”
Participants in the event will include local police departments, healthcare providers, and various support organizations such as Bright Harbor Healthcare, Hope Sheds Light, and NAMI Ocean.
Joseph H. Vicari, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, noted, “Of our 33 municipalities, 29 have declared themselves as ‘Stigma-Free Zones.’ I commend the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee for their work in emphasizing the importance of mental health.”
For more information, contact Jamie Busch at jbusch@co.ocean.nj.us or Courtney Hartshorn at chartshorn@co.ocean.nj.us.