Phillipsburg Councilwoman introduces “Stigma Free Zone” for Phillipsburg, NJ

Phillipsburg, NJ – Wednesday, April 17, 2019 – Councilwoman Danielle DeGerolamo (R) introduced resolution 2019-67 at Tuesday, April 16th Town Council’s meeting. It passed unanimously by Town Council.

One in four adults experience a diagnosable mental illness every year and many of these individuals do not seek help because of fear of shame or judgment from friends, family and coworkers. On Tuesday, April 16, 2019, Phillipsburg, NJ took the first steps towards eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness. The elimination of mental health stigma will allow residents to get the resources they need without judgment.

Phillipsburg Town Council passed a resolution designating the municipality a Stigma-Free Zone in order to create an environment in which residents will feel free to seek treatment for the disease of mental illness without the fear of being stigmatized. Phillipsburg joins the County of Warren in declaring a Stigma-Free Zone.

Councilwoman DeGerolamo hopes to raise awareness of the disease of mental illness, provide an effective way to reduce the stigma associated with the disease and encourage those who are affected to seek services and feel supported in Phillipsburg and throughout Warren County. The establishment of this Stigma-Free Zone will raise awareness of local Phillipsburg mental health resources so no one resident needs to feel hopeless or alone. The elimination of stigma will enable residents to ask for help when needed so recovery can begin, hope is inspired and tragedies are avoided.

Councilwoman DeGerolamo urges anyone who would like more information on the Stigma-Free Campaign to contact her and join her on May 09, 2019 at the Phillipsburg Housing Authority Community Room at 6:30 PM for an informational session and to help us to promote mental wellness amongst all Phillipsburg and Warren County residents.

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Councilwoman Danielle L. DeGerolamo was elected to Phillipsburg Town Council in November 2017 and has been serving since 2018. Her term of office will expire December 31, 2021. She is the Municipal chair for the Phillipsburg Republican Committee, a County Committee member for Warren County, a Warren County Republican Women member, as well as on the Board of Governors for the NJ Federation of Republican Woman. Councilwoman DeGerolamo was also recognized in 2018 as one of the Right Top 40 women to watch by the AFP, and has been featured on SaveJersey.com. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education as well as a Master’s in Business Administration. She has been a Sales and Marketing professional for over 25 years and works for a privately held company in NJ. She resides in Phillipsburg with her husband Kevin and two grown sons Nicholas and John Thomas.