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Somerset County’s Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Stigma-Free Committee and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, is hosting the 2025 Human Services Conference, “Synergy for Change: Transforming Awareness into Collective Action” on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Raritan Valley Community College, located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg.
“Every year, one in five individuals face a mental health challenge,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake. “Far too often, these struggles are met with silence and stigma, leaving individuals to suffer in isolation. This conference will address the presence of stigma and explore meaningful ways to reduce it. Mental health affects us all, and in Somerset County, we are here to help you care for your mental wellbeing.”
The in-person conference, featuring keynote speaker 2024-2025 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year and Somerset County educator Stefanie Lachenauer, aims to unite professionals across various sectors to address and reduce stigma.
"In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Somerset County Human Services and Stigma-Free Committee Conference underscores the power of collective action,” said Lisette Turner, Somerset County mental health administrator. “By coming together, we confront stigma, promote mental wellness, and affirm that mental health is a collective responsibility. The conference is a testament to the power of community to support, uplift, and ensure that no one faces their challenges alone.”
Attendees will engage in sessions covering topics such as mental health, criminal justice, aging, recovery housing, gambling, child protective services, volunteerism, harm reduction, cultural impacts on mental health recovery, and veteran experiences. A special journaling workshop focused on self-compassion and resilience will be offered during lunch.
In addition to the powerful line-up of speakers presenting at this year’s conference, local vendors and community groups will also be in attendance to provide mental health services and materials, including but not limited to: Bridgeway Behavior Health-PESS, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium, The Center for Great Expectations, Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, Community Child Care Solutions, Community Hope, Community in Connection, Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Department of Children and Families-Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Easterseals NJ, Ellie Mental Health Central NJ, Empower Somerset, Food Bank Network of Somerset County, Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic, Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon, & Warren Counties, NAMI NJ (National Alliance on Mental Illness), New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care, NightingaleNJ Eldercare Navigators, Norwescap, Prevention Links, Prevention Resources, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center, Right Choice Recovery, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare Early Intervention Support Services, RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, RWJUH Somerset, Safe Place Counseling and Therapy Center. Somerset County Veteran Services, Somerset Treatment Services, Tri County Care Management Organization, Volunteer Guardianship One on One, and Zufall Health Center.
Clinical credentials are not required, all are welcome to attend. General admission is free; cost for CEUs is $50. Seats are limited; registration closes May 15, 2025: https://lnkd.in/e_eX-2tw.
For more information, visit somersetcountynj.gov/government/human-services/human-services-conference or email Turner at lturner@co.somerset.nj.us.
About Somerset County
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.
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