Rowan College at Burlington County , New Jersey’s top - ranked community college , is going stigma - free .
   The college joined with the Burlington County Commissioners , the Burlington County Department of Human Services , and the Burlington County Coalition for Healthy Communities and the Riverfront Coalition on Tuesday to celebrate the college’s decision to join Burlington County’s Stigma - Free County campaign . This initiative seeks to eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorder and assist those suffering from the conditions by increasing awareness and combating misconceptions about them .
   “Rowan College at Burlington County is proud to declare that we are a Stigma Free campus , which aligns with our core belief that everyone should have access to quality education no matter their individual circumstances , ” RCBC President Dr . Michael A . Cioce said . “We strive to create an atmosphere where every individual is valued , welcomed and celebrated . ”
   Burlington County Commissioner Director Dan O’Connell and Commissioner Felicia Hopson both said the college’s support was a massive development that sends a powerful message about the importance of eliminating stigma and promoting the available resources for those suffering from mental illnesses .  
   “Our County started a Stigma - free initiative to break down barriers that prevent those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders from accessing the help they need , and we’re excited that Rowan College at Burlington County has joined on and will help magnify the message , ” said O’Connell , who is the Commissioners’ liaison to the college .  
   “By all of us working together , we can make sure no one suffering from mental illnesses or substance use disorder feels shame about their condition , ” added Hopson , who is the Board’s liaison for Human Services . “The message we’re sending is that help and support is available and that all of Burlington County is behind you . ”
   In addition to joining the stigma - free movement , the RCBC Office of Student Support publishes an online
   list of mental health and stress reduction resources
    to assist students and staff members .  
   “Rowan College at Burlington County provides students with the resources they need to succeed both in the classroom and with their own health and well - being , ” said RCBC Board Chair Robin Walton . “The RCBC Board of Trustees is proud to declare the college a stigma - free space for all individuals and encourage students who have a mental illness or substance abuse to take advantage of the resources available at the college and throughout the county . ”
   Burlington County created a Stigma - Free Task Force last year to develop recommendations for how the County could eliminate stigma and the Commissioners adopted a resolution designating all of Burlington County to be stigma - free . In doing so , the Commissioners also encouraged all municipalities , schools , businesses and nonprofits to join the campaign .
   In addition to RCBC , the Burlington County Association of School Administrators , the City of Burlington and the Burlington City School District , the Lenape Regional High School District , Cinnaminson School District , Pemberton Township and Mount Laurel have each passed resolutions supporting the Stigma - Free County initiative . Mount Holly and Evesham are expected to pass resolutions for their towns this week .  
   State Senator Troy Singleton also praised the college for joining the county’s coalition .
   “Ending the stigma around mental health conditions and substance abuse is critical so that those who need the help , seek it out , ” said Singleton . “I applaud Rowan College at Burlington County for joining with our county leaders in ensuring that this campus is stigma - free and a safe space for these students . ”
    
   Burlington County Commissioners Felicia Hopson and Dan O’Connell present Rowan College at Burlington County President Dr . Michael A . Cioce with a proclamation commending and thanking the college for joining the Burlington County Stigma - Free County initiative .
   Rowan College at Burlington County President Dr . Michael A . Cioce joined with Burlington County Commissioner Director Dan O’Connell , Commissioner Felicia Hopson and Burlington County Prevention Plus officials Kelsey Moss and Joe Conlin to announce the college’s decision to join Burlington County’s Stigma - Free County campaign . The initiative seeks to eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorder and assist those suffering from the conditions by increasing awareness and combating misconceptions about them .
   

Press release information:

Direct link to press release: Click here .

Keywords and search queries from search engines related to the press release :