Shining light on mental health awareness: Why organizations are going green

By
ROI-NJ Staff
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Organizations around New Jersey are lighting their buildings with a tint of green throughout the month to show solidarity for mental health awareness.

The occasion is jointly sponsored by the Mental Health Association of New Jersey and Mental Health America to underscore the importance of prioritizing mental well-being through initiatives like educational endeavors and proactive mental health screenings.

MHANJ CEO Carolyn Beauchamp expressed the importance of raising awareness of the ongoing issue.

“Mental health touches every aspect of our lives, and raising awareness serves us all,” Beauchamp said. “With 1 in 5 individuals experiencing a mental health condition annually and half of us at some point in our lives, the significance of Mental Health Month cannot be overstated. By casting light in green and commemorating Mental Health Month, our collective goal is to foster understanding, empower our communities and diminish the stigma associated with mental health challenges.”

Dr. Keith Libou, chief clinical officer of Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut and a member of the board of trustees at the Mental Health Association of New Jersey, agreed.

Libou said concern for behavioral health issues always is top of mind with Delta Dental.

“We’ve recognized the correlation between oral health and mental health, taking the steps necessary to expand access to oral health care through our products and services,” he said.

“That includes the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, which funds organizations that provide direct care to at-risk populations. We are proud to be among the New Jersey business community supporting these efforts to raise awareness.”

According to the latest report (2023) by Mental Health America, 28 million adults in the U.S., or 55% of those with mental illness, as well as 60% of youth with major depression receive no treatment.

While health care companies are at the lead of the initiative (Hackensack Meridian Health, Atlantic Health and Delta Dental among the leaders), the effort stretches to all parts of the state, including leading businesses (Johnson & Johnson, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi, Citizens) and municipalities (Franklin and Union townships).

A look at the more than 35 buildings that have registered to illuminate green in New Jersey:

  • Atlantic Health System Chilton Medical Center (Pompton Plains);
  • Atlantic Health System Hackettstown Medical Center (Hackettstown);
  • Atlantic Health System Morristown Medical Center (Morristown);
  • Atlantic Health System Newton Medical Center (Newton);
  • Atlantic Health System Overlook Medical Center (Summit);
  • Coordinated Family Care (North Brunswick);
  • Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi (Roseland) (will be lighting internal areas);
  • Citizens Bank headquarters (Short Hills);
  • Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut (Parsippany);
  • Franklin Township performance gazebo (Somerset);
  • Franklin Township Stigma-Free Council (Somerset);
  • The Gateway Family YMCA, association office (Elizabeth);
  • GoMo Health (Asbury Park);
  • Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center (Holmdel);
  • Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic/Blake Recovery Center (Belle Mead);
  • Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune City);
  • Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center (Edison);
  • Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack);
  • Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center (Montclair);
  • Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center (Old Bridge);
  • Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center (Brick);
  • Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center (North Bergen);
  • Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center (Westwood);
  • Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center (Perth Amboy);
  • Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center (Red Bank);
  • Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (Nutley);
  • Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center (Stafford Township);
  • Hudson County Meadowview Psychiatric Hospital (Secaucus);
  • Johnson & Johnson clock tower (New Brunswick), May 1-5, May 24;
  • MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford), May 10;
  • Minuteman Press (Edison);
  • P.M. Studios (Edison);
  • Township of Jefferson gazebo (Jefferson Township);
  • Township of Jefferson municipal building (Jefferson Township);
  • Union Township town hall (Union);
  • Union Township Department of Public Works (Union);
  • Union Township Fire Department (Union);
  • Union Township senior center (Union);
  • Union Township Police Department (Union).