Ocean County Approves over $1.6 Million for Mental Health Services in 2015

ocean county tlsWhen it comes to mental illness the statistics can be staggering. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) one in four adults – approximately 61.5 million Americans – experience mental illness in a given year.

And, about 20 percent of youth ages 13 to 18 experience severe mental disorders in a given year.

“Ocean County, annually, provides funding to programs and services that help our citizens living with mental health issues,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the county’s Department of Human Services which includes the Ocean County Mental Health Board. “The Mental Health Board’s mission is to protect, assist, and empower people with mental illness.”

Little noted that the Board of Freeholders on Dec. 17 approved $1,627,508 for mental health services in 2015.

The funding will be provided to Ocean Mental Health Services Inc., Preferred Behavioral Health of NJ and the Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus to provide services and programs to OceanCounty residents seeking treatment and support for mental health issues.

“These services provide assistance to children, adults, and families as well as community crisis and trauma,” Little said. “The funding from the county will provide services to more than 15,000 people.”

Little said an additional $41 million in state funding will help provide assistance to an additional 30,000 people.

“Combined, more than 45,000 people in Ocean County experiencing mental health issues will be provided with the best care possible,” Little said. “As advocates, the Ocean County Mental Health Board has helped immeasurably in making certain our citizens know they have a place to turn during difficult times, they have a support system when one may not be built in and when they reach out there is a safety net available.”

Little said that mental health focuses on how we think, feel and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental illnesses are medical conditions that may disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.

Little said that it was important for people to know that mental health disorders are common, especially after experiencing trauma, and treatments are available.

“Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood,” Little said. “Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from, and management of, their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.”

[TLS]

This content, and any other content on TLS, may not be republished or reproduced without prior permission from TLS. Copying or reproducing our content is both against the law and against Halacha. To inquire about using our content, including videos or photos, email us at [email protected].

Stay up to date with our news alerts by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

**Click here to join over 20,000 receiving our Whatsapp Status updates!**

**Click here to join the official TLS WhatsApp Community!**

Got a news tip? Email us at [email protected], Text 415-857-2667, or WhatsApp 609-661-8668.