In 2019, your generosity provided quality counseling and wrap-around services to those diagnosed with a mental illness. We thank you for acknowledging the importance of mental health. Your continued support allows us to proactively encourage overall emotional wellness in Monmouth County.
At MHA, we believe prevention, early intervention, and education are key to helping professionals and loved ones identify the risk factors and warning signs of potential mental health issues. Across the United States, the statistics are alarming: 10.3 million adults have serious thoughts of suicide; major depression in youth increased 4.35% over the past six years and over 70% are still in need of treatment; and 40% of the homeless population consists of single adults living with mental illness.
We recognize social determinants strongly impact mental health. When a person struggles to meet basic needs or achieve financial stability, their propensity for developing a mental health concern increases.
We launched our new outpatient treatment program, Navigate Wellness Counseling, to focus on early intervention and trauma-informed care. The program’s exponential growth shows the critical need for quality clinical counseling as a preventative measure.
We also addressed teen suicide in our community by strengthening initiatives, including the nationally recognized Lifelines training in schools. This evidence-based suicide prevention program educates students and staff on prevention, early intervention, and education to prevent otherwise avoidable tragedy.
At MHA, we’ve evolved our practices from a journey to wellness to where wellness happens. Thank you for sustaining our programs, for your continued support, and for your commitment to the wellbeing of Monmouth County.
Wendy DePedro, MSEd
President & CEO
