20220419 - Stigma Free Committee Minutes

Stigma Free Minutes 4/19/2022

• The meeting officially began at 3:05 PM
• Danielle Pagani gave some updates in regards to the COVID booster clinics run through the Health Department. We had one last week and are having another tomorrow 4/20/22 at 2pm.
• We had a stress management workshop with the family service bureau of Newark in March and once the link for the recording is available we will share it
• Today, 4/19/2022 there was a program run with Parks & Rec regarding Alzheimer’s
• We have kicked off the Ridgewood Lifestyle Challenge
• Thai Chi tonight, walking group tomorrow, downtown walk is Friday all part of the lifestyle challenge
• We participated in Earth Day event on 4/10/22
• There is a senior event on June 4^th at Graydon Park
• Letters for Cards of Joy was brought up and we discussed where the boxes could be next time if anyone has any new ideas
• West Bergen has a 5k walk collaborating with Ramsey. The kickoff is May 7^th at the Ramsay high school track. Registration is 9 am and walk is 9:30-11:30
• Gabriella Milani introduced herself from Lukin center and described their therapy services
• Robin Ritter introduced herself from the Ridgewood Library
• Danielle Fabrizio from the Valley Hospital introduced herself and touched on the events of the Lifestyle Challenge
• Kathleen Mccann from Share House introduced herself and mentioned there are 8 rooms available at Share House. She mentioned she is interested in some counseling sessions or how to cope with depression during COVID isolation.
• Jan Bottcher introduced herself and discussed Swim program
• Audrey Shin introduced herself and discussed possibly having an event or giveaway at the high school in regards to mental health
• Danielle Pagani discussed “lunch bunch” activities with the schools and that things are in the works with the schools to have some kind of event
• Haley Contino discussed that the county in Hackensack is hosting mental health first aid classes and they are occurring May 4 (youth), May 19 (adult), and May 25 (youth) and they are being offered for free
• Haley Contino also discussed boxes being dropped off, the sticker contest for students and that a winner will be announced and a video will be made
• Danielle Pagani will share the mental health toolkit that was updated this morning. It included social media graphics and other details and she will share any related events and flyers.
• Denise DePalma shared an event from the state mental health association regarding a walk in June in Clark NJ
• Danielle Pagani suggested everyone share their flyers or ideas with her to share with the group and on social media when applicable
• Audrey Shin discussed how there are a lot of events that people aren’t aware of and suggested a Stigma Free website or Instagram, separate from the Health Department website to highlight upcoming events
• Marianny Fermin discussed how we are trying to work on something to highlight events better. We have to discuss Instagram with our IT department.
• Haley Contino said they are looking for people to be Mental Health First Aid trainers. They would pay for the training and then when they want to host classes, they would reach out and ask if you’re available on that date.
• John Judge asked Haley Contino to expand on Mental Health First Aid and she did and they are going to connect to see if a few of the fire department employees would be able to get the training themselves
• Mary Davey asked Haley Contino for clarification about training v. trainers. Haey Contino explained she recommends someone takes the actual course prior to being a trainer for it, but it isn’t actually required. The trainer course is 3 days and is being done virtually now.
• Haley Contino said within the next  couple of days she hopes to have final approval for the info on the classes in Hackensack in May and will send it to Danielle Pagani to send out
• Danielle Pagani mentioned Ridgewood Health Department has a rabies clinic 6-7pm on May 4^th.
• Everyone was invited to share any event info or flyers to be distributed.