Dumont adopts ordinance for official town Stigma-Free Committee

At its most recent public meeting on Tuesday, April 16, the Dumont Borough Council adopted an ordinance establishing a permanent town Stigma-Free Committee.

The ordinance, put forth by Councilwoman Carole Stewart, creates an official governmental mechanism to combat the stigma associated with mental illness.

The Stigma-Free campaign in Bergen County seeks to raise public awareness, and use education and the dissemination of information, to remove the stigma attached to mental illness. The goal is for those suffering from mental health issues to feel free to seek and obtain the help they need.

Dumont's approach differs significantly from the method followed by most municipalities which have embraced the Stigma-Free initiative: typically, a resolution is passed designating an unofficial, informal group of residents as a "Stigma-Free Task Force".

The seven members of the new Stigma-Free Committee will be appointed by Mayor James Kelly at the Borough Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. The Committee will also be seeking residents to participate in a broader, volunteer Task Force. For more information, or to express interest in joining the Task Force, residents can email info@dumontstigmafree.com.