Local businesses lend support to Dumont Stigma-Free campaign

A number of Dumont-area businesses and community organizations have stepped up to throw their support behind the Dumont Stigma-Free campaign.

"In a very short time, we've already seen tremendous community support," said Karen DeMarco, Chair of the Dumont Stigma-Free Committee. "Our committee has been in existence for only a few months. We're looking forward to partnering with many more local businesses and community groups."

The Dumont Stigma-Free Committee seeks to remove the stigma attached to mental illness, so that residents in need of mental health services will seek and obtain assistance they need. The Committee is an official town body comprised of seven members, extended with members of a supporting volunteer Stigma-Free Task Force and Dumont Council Liaison Carole Stewart.

Mrs. DeMarco detailed the recent assistance given by the following:

• Keystone Printing of Dumont - owner Janice Worner (donation of 6' x 3' vinyl banner)
• Pyramid Imprints of Bergenfield - owner Eleanor Reiche (donation of green "Stigma-Free" t-shirts)
• Dollar General of Dumont (donations of balloons and tablecloths)
• Staples Printing of Bergenfield - Danika Wertalik (donation of photocopying of informational materials)
• Englewood Health (f/k/a Englewood Hospital) - David Drapkin (donation of informational materials and ad specialty items)
• CBH Cares of Westwood - Nikki Chiarello (donation of informational materials and ad specialty items)
• Bergen County Department of Health, Division of Mental Health - Haley Contino (donation of informational materials)
• In addition, several Dumont residents, along with Keystone Printing, contributed toward the donation of "Stigma Free" wristbands.

"It's wonderful to see the greater community come together in support of this initiative", Ms. DeMarco added. "We have many events and activities in the works for the coming months, and our supporters are making all of our programs possible."

To learn more about the Dumont Stigma-Free Committee, please visit http://www.dumontnj.gov/stigma-free.