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African American Community Together NOW
Mental Health Awareness Month
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Month

First recognized in 1949. It was created as a way to educate the public about mental illness, raise awareness surrounding research and treatments, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and celebrate recovery from mental illness. 



What Does the Color Green Mean In Psychology?

Green is the color used for awareness in mental health. It is a symbol for mental illnesses, bipolar disorder and depression. Green symbolizes the continual awareness of mental health in order to help fight the stigma that is often associated with it.

Mother's Are Special!

Happy National Nurses Week!
Friday, May 6 - Thursday, May 12
Honoring Nurses Who Change Lives Daily

You Are Invited!
Today's Conversation!
Register Now!
A webinar sponsored by
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Montclair Alumnae Chapter

Meet The Panelist!
Candace D. Wilson, LPC
lpsative Measure Consulting LLC
Kim Severe
Psychologist
East Orange Public Schools
Mitchell Koenig
Signature Program Assistant
NAMI-NJ
AACT-NOW Support Groups Online!
For Family Members With A Loved One With Mental Illness

African American support group for family members with loved ones affected by mental illness. Facilitators will provide an understanding and caring environment. Family members will help one another learn to cope with the effects of mental illness. They will find understanding, acceptance, and mutual support and hope. If you are a family member of a person affected by mental illness (schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, panic/anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder), please join us.
Southern Jersey & Central Jersey
Support Groups!

"The ABC's of Stress Management"

Presented by: Melanece Walker, MSW, LSW
To attend either meeting you "Must" complete the Google form by clicking on the "Register"
button below to receive Zoom link

For Questions Contact:

Donna - dwilliams@naminj.org
Melanece - mwalker@naminj.org
~ Community Conversation ~
AACT-NOW!
BE THE CHANGE!!

"Children's Mental Health"

Guest Speaker: Dr. Tasha Brown
Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Parent Consultant


IMPACT • PROBLEMS • SOLUTIONS
To attend meeting, you "Must" complete the Google form by clicking on the "Register"
button below to receive Zoom link

For Questions Contact:

Donna - dwilliams@naminj.org
Tiffany - tmayers@naminj.org
AACT-NOW Fundraiser!
Mental Health Matters!
Support Mental Health
AACT-NOW!
~ Who's Who Breaking Stigma ~
AACT-NOW
Recognizes Black Celebrities
Helping To Erase Mental Health Stigmas With Their Testimonies

There is no shame in seeking help to get back to being happy.
Monthly AACT-NOW will feature a celebrity with living proof.
Read all about them here!


Regina King
Actress and Director

"We Still Have Work To Do"
Regina King - A week before his death, Regina King's son Ian alluded to social media not being healthy for him. Ian Alexander Jr., died by suicide. The deejay reflected on his relationship with social media. Ian made his final Twitter posts on Jan. 14, five days ahead of his 26th birthday and a week before his death. "I don't think Instagram is healthy for me," one of his tweets read. In another, Ian wrote, "You know that episode of SpongeBob where they go inside his brain and it's a bunch of mini spongebobs just losing their...yea that one really hits home." Read Regina's story. Unconditional Love!
~ NAMI NJ's Poetry Corner ~

Expressive Arts Café
&
Poetry Contest 2022!
The Expressive Arts Café is a charming bistro nestled in the heart of NAMI NJ in the Dara Axelrod Expressive Arts Network cul-de-sac. You’ll find our dining experience second to none.

Do you seek to maintain a relaxed and friendly environment in the middle of the day? Seek no more, start your afternoon monthly with NAMI NJ's EAN Café. We encourage mental wellness through artistic workshops, a space for all.

 Creative Writing Workshop!

When: Monday, May 23, 2022
Time: 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m. ET

Come Join Us!

2022 NAMI NJ Poetry Contest Closed!

Be on the lookout for the voting period this month - May, to vote for your Top 10!

Thank you all for your amazing submissions!


Your Host! Jacquese Armstrong
Contact Jacquese
For Registration & Information
jarmstrong@naminj.org
~ Save-The-Dates ~
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Stigma Free Somerset County invites you to participate in our first annual conference!

Friday, May 13, 2022
10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. ET

North Plainfield Community Center
614 Greenbrook Road
North Plainfield, NJ 07063
~ Helpful Resources For All ~
A Proclamation on National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2022

Each May we raise awareness about the importance of mental health and its impact on the well-being of all Americans, including children, adults, families, and communities across our Nation.  

NAMI HelpLine volunteers and staff have compiled this directory of outstanding resources to help you identify possible options to meet your needs. The resources included in the NAMI National Resource Directory are not endorsed by NAMI, and NAMI is not responsible for the content of or service provided by any of these resources.

May Is Older Americans Month, Too!
Mental Health In Older Adults




Veterans and Mental Health Awareness Month

Washington DC VA Medical Center is on a mission to spread awareness of mental health disorders, and resources available to Veterans who struggle with them during Mental Health Awareness Month.


Let's Fight The Stigma Together!
Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.





Signs of Depression in Teens

Depression in youth is a serious mental health problem, and it’s important to know the symptoms of depression in teens and be ready to help.
 


Active Mind Says! Get Involved in Mental Health

“Mental Health +” is built on the idea that mental health is interwoven into every part of our lives - sometimes we just need help noticing it. 


The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow.




~ NAMI NJ News ~
Wednesdays, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8 – Join Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey Wellness Institute for “Building Financial Wellness Classes,” on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Classes are free (no cost to you). You will receive a Manual and some financial wellness tracking resources. If you can attend all 6 sessions, please contact George Brice to register at 908-630-8910 by April 12, 2022. Download flyer.

MHANJ's ENGAGE is a monthly, one-hour Zoom event designed to support administrative and front-line staff members of human service providers and community organizations in engaging in conversations with individuals and families of color about mental health.


May 4:
What You Think Is What You Get—Implicit Bias When Dealing with Persons from the BIPOC Community
with Yvette Murray, President, YRM Consulting

June 1:
Engaging Asian Americans in Mental Health Treatment
with Maggie Luo, Associate Director of Development and Communications, NAMI NJ

July 6:
Engaging Victims of Crime who are People of Color to Receive Mental Health Support
with Shavonne Davis, Victim Witness Advocate (Atlantic Prosecutor's Office)


Thursday, May 5 – Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare (UBHC) is hosting a Family Information and Resource Session for Substance Use Disorders, facilitated by CMC: Foundation for Change, held via Rutgers HIPAA compliant Zoom, from 7 – 8 p.m. ET. Bring questions, concerns, insights, as the group comes together to support each other and those impacted by substance use. View flyer | Register here.

Tuesday, May 10 – Brain & Behavior Research Foundation presents: Meet the Scientist Webinar, “Brain/Behavior Alterations Underlying Self-Injury and Suicide Among Children and Adolescents,” at 2 p.m. ET. Register here

Tuesday, May 10 – NAMI NYC Webinar, “Trauma, Healing, and Psychedelics: Clinical and Research Perspectives,” at 5:30 p.m. Trauma can underpin many mental health issues. New research suggests that psychedelics – a class of hallucinogenic drugs whose main effect is to trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness – may offer new ways of exploring and healing from trauma. Join them for a conversation about trauma and the brain, how and why psychedelics are being used in trauma treatment, and the potential risks and benefits to keep in mind if you or your loved ones are interested in these treatments. Register here.

Tuesday, May 10 – Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free webinar — Postpartum Depression and Maternal Mental Health: How Caregivers Can Help, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. ET. In this webinar, Dr. Jillian Baker will share her professional insights and personal experience with infertility and postpartum depression. Participants will learn how to recognize the impact of infertility and pregnancy loss on mental health, identify signs of postpartum depression and available treatment options, and provide practical support to a loved one. Register here.

Friday, May 13 – Middlesex County will hold its annual conference for young men aimed at empowerment, wellness, leadership, and community connections. As with previous years, the program will feature workshops designed to provide students with opportunities to learn about a healthy lifestyle. This event is free and will follow all CDC COVID guidelines for schools. It will be held in person at Middlesex College in the College Center, located at 2600 Woodbridge Avenue in Edison, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30p.m.
.
May 17, 18, 24, & 25 – Peer-Leader Training: Chronic Disease Self-Management, 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. This program, developed by Stanford University teaches important self-management skills, which help individuals affected by chronic conditions to live healthier lives. Participants must attend all four days. All books and materials will be provided. Download flyer for registration information.

Saturday, May 21 – Attitudes in Reverse Annual Miki & Friends Open AIR® Event, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This event is to focus on health – both physical and mental health – and the benefits dogs offer. AIR has started the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention. Join them for their walk this year to continue to raise awareness. Event features music, animals, and vendors. Download flyer.

Saturday, May 21 – NAMIWalks Your Way Mercer County, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the West Lake Park, Robbinsville, NJ. This is the annual walk by our Mercer County affiliate. Mental Health for All — and Always!

NAMI New Jersey State Psychiatric Hospitals

The Department of Health (DOH) is collaborating with NAMI New Jersey to develop a Family Partnership Program, in all four of our State Psychiatric Hospitals: Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Ann Klein Forensic Center, Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, Trenton Psychiatric Hospital. 


988 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022. 

~ NAMI NJ Free Online Support Groups ~
A 60-90 minute support group for adult friends and family members (18+) of people with mental health conditions. Participants gain support from peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes.

Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET

A 60-90 minute support group for adults (18+) with a mental health condition. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes.

Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET
2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 12 p.m. ET
Every Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET

~ Specialty Support Groups ~
LGBTQ+NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group
Last Sundays of the month*
May 29, 2022 at 7 p.m. ET

NAMI Connection is a peer-led recovery support group for individuals (18+) in the LGBTQ+ community who have a mental health condition. View flyer for the registration link or QR code. Contact jyudof@naminj.org for more information.
Asylees/Refugees NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group
3rd Fridays of the month
May 20, 2022 at 4 p.m. ET

NAMI NJ and Interfaith Rise collaborate to offer a NAMI Connection Recovery Online Support Group for asylees and refugees. Contact info@naminj.org for more information or to register. Download flyer to share!
Family With a Loved One Who Is In/Has Been in State Hospital
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. ET

NAMI Family Support Groups are free, confidential and safe groups of families helping other families who live with mental health challenges. In NAMI Family Support Groups, families join a caring group of individuals helping one another by utilizing their collective lived experiences and learned wisdom. Family member can achieve a renewed sense of hope for their loved one living with mental health challenges. Connect with other family members who have or had a loved one in a NJ State Hospital. Contact lmalloy@naminj.org for more information. Download flyer to share!

Spouse/Partner Support Group

2nd Thursday of the month - Register Here!
May 12, 2022 at 7 p.m. ET

Gain support and share with others who can relate to your personal experiences. The group will follow the NAMI Signature Family Support Group Model and will be run by two trained facilitators. Participants must pre-register and be 18 years or older. Attendance will be limited to 15 people.
Sibling Support Group
4th Thursdays of the month
May 26, 2022 at 7 p.m. ET

Join us for this special online support group for individuals with a sibling who lives with mental illness. Gain support and share with others who can relate to your personal experiences. The group will follow the NAMI Signature Family Support Group Model and will be run by two trained facilitators. Participants must pre-register and be 18 years or older. Attendance will be limited.

~ Advancing Research ~
Research Opportunities!
NAMI New Jersey (NAMI NJ) is committed to improving the lives of people impacted by mental health conditions through effective treatments, equitable public policies, and greater knowledge and understanding in society. Research is essential to advance each of these goals.

NAMI NJ does not accept financial compensation for recruiting research participants. NAMI NJ also does not endorse any products or treatments. We share these research opportunity notices with you, our field leaders, to distribute at your discretion if you believe that members of your community may be interested in participating in these studies. If you have questions about research at NAMI NJ, please email research@naminj.org.

Rutgers Study: Genomic Psychiatry Cohort
The Rutgers Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Health and Addiction conducts a study to better understand the interactions between genes and the environment. The goal is to identify these genes that can make some people more likely than others to develop Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. Download brochure.

The Rutgers CTE Research Study
This study recruits students undergoing Career and Technical Education who have mental illness. The goal is to create a toolkit that will support these students successfully complete those programs and seek meaningful employment.  Learn About CTE Study

Who Are We?

AACT-NOW (African American Community Together NOW) is an exciting initiative of NAMI NJ. Our aim is to connect with NJ's African American families affected by mental illness, the faith community and mental health professionals to provide education, support, advocacy and culturally competent programs.

We are taking a stand to promote awareness, provide resources, and act as a support system.

*Disclaimer: the information contained in this e-newsletter is provided strictly for information purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement or referral of services.
Program Coordinator
Lisa Powell - aactnow@naminj.org

Program Assistant
Melanece Walker - mwalker@naminj.org

Northern Regional Coordinator
Shanee Frazier Eweka - sfrazier@naminj.org

Central Regional Coordinator
Tiffany L. Mayers - tmayers@naminj.org

Southern Regional Coordinator
Donna Williams - dwilliams@naminj.org


e-mail aactnow@naminj.org or aactnow_support@naminj.org
Visit our website at https://www.naminj.org/programs/multicultural/aactnow

We welcome donations to support our work in the community!

AACT-NOW NAMI NJ | 732-940-0991 ext. 117 | www.naminj.org