The "Mental Wellness in the Age of Anxiety" forum will take place on April 26, 2016.
FLEMINGTON -- "Mental Wellness in the Age of Anxiety" is the focus of a mental health forum on April 26 being sponsored by the Flemington-Raritan School District and mental health advocates.
Views on mental health became an issue in the school district last fall, after comments at a board meeting were construed by some as a sign of insensitivity. The state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness sent out an "Advocacy Alert," headlining its statement, "Flemington-Raritan School Board Promotes Stigma."
The situation "helped become a catalyst for us to partner with the school, NAMI-NJ, Hunterdon Behavioral Health and the Hunterdon Board of Mental Health to provide an educational forum for parents, educators, and the community," said NAMI-Hunterdon board member Julie Apruzzese.
"I personally believe and hope that the way to create change is to educate people," Apruzzese said. "Many parents can relate to anxiety and stress in their children. We are hoping to reach a wide audience to address what is normal vs. worrisome behavior, how to talk to your kids about mental health, and where to go for help."
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"We're happy to facilitate this forum," said school district Superintendent Dr. Maryrose Caulfield on Wednesday.
The incident last fall prompted many people in the community to express their concerns to Caulfield.
"Situations can be serendipitous," she said at the time. "We are now able to have some very positive conversations with people." Representatives from NAMI were among them.
"Because the organization came forward last year we had conversations," she said on Wednesday. "We don't have the expertise they do, and this will be a good forum to present the resources available for parents and staff."
The April forum "will have a moderated panel including a child psychiatrist, counselor, NAMI-NJ representative, NAMI-Hunterdon parent sharing her story, and an inspirational young woman from our community bravely sharing her story as well," Apruzzese said. "We will also be taking questions from the audience."
The forum will be held Tuesday, April 26, 7-9 p.m. at Reading-Fleming Intermediate School, 50 Court St. in Flemington. People with questions can call NAMI-Hunterdon at 908-284-0500, or email info@namihunterdon.org.
Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.