Mental health is an essential part of overall health and mental health challenges impact us all, including our young children. The numbers are scary. One in five teenagers in the U.S. is diagnosed with a mental health disorder, yet only half of those receive treatment. Too often stigma and shame stops them from seeking help. 

Burlington County recognizes that those struggling with conditions like anxiety, depression or substance use disorder deserve support and care, and our County has prioritized bringing education and resources directly into our communities and schools. This year we launched the Hope One for Youth mobile outreach unit to focus on the mental health of children in our county. The unit’s goal is to educate and dispel stigma, and to help those in need or at-risk where they are. By talking about mental health and suicide, we hope to generate greater understanding of these issues and what we can do to better support and assist those who are suffering. Working together and engaging in these difficult conversations, we know we can find solutions and bring help, support and hope to anyone struggling with a mental health challenge.

Residents can learn more about our county’s fight to eliminate stigma and bring resources to residents in need by visiting Burlington County Department of Human Services and by following Burlington County on social media.