May 2025 Declared Mental Health Awareness Month

Morris County Presents Proclamation to Local Advocates and Service Providers

(l-r) Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw; Marie Hess, Morris County Human Services Advisory Council Coordinator; Kensie Fosko, Morris County Youth Services and Addictions Coordinator; Amy Archer, Director of Community and Behavioral Health Services; Chris Chernick, Vice-Chair of MHASAB; Victor DeVito, Chair of MHASAB; Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen, Commissioner Deborah Smith; Cherish Robinson, Municipal County Alliance Coordinator; Commissioners Douglas Cabana, John Krickus, Christine Myers and Kasey Errico, Director of the Department of Human Services.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners declared May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month at this week’s public meeting, recognizing the essential work of advocates, service providers and county professionals who support individuals living with mental health challenges.

“Since 1949, May has helped people talk more openly about mental health, offer support, and improve access to care. Mental health affects all of us -- our children, families, neighbors and communities -- and yet too many still suffer in silence. This month, we thank the people and organizations who provide care, support and hope,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen, who presented the proclamation.

The framed proclamation was accepted by Amy Archer, director of the Division of Community and Behavioral Health Services and the county’s Mental Health Administrator, along with members of the county’s Mental Health Addictions Services Advisory Board (MHASAB) and the county’s Professional Advisory Committee (PAC), whose invited members represent local provider agencies serving residents in need.

(l-r) Amy Archer, Victor DeVito and Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

“Over the past few years there have been many initiatives at the state and local level to support the needs of our residents including the rollout of 988, a nationwide suicide & crisis lifeline; mobile crisis outreach response teams that respond to individuals in the community; the ARRIVE together program, a collaboration coordinated through the Morris County Prosecutors Office with local law enforcement and mental health specialists; and mental health programs within our court system such as the Mental Health Diversion Program,” said Archer.

“While this proclamation builds residents’ awareness of these issues, it also helps to foster a larger call to action to identify and support those in need,” said Victor DeVito, Chair of the MHASAB. “We deeply appreciate the commissioners continued funding support for these vital county programs. The dedication to prioritizing mental health services has made, and continues to make, a significant difference in the lives of countless citizens.”

The MHASAB is charged with reviewing, monitoring and improving county mental health and addiction services. The board also makes recommendations for the allocation of county funds to ensure that a full continuum of care is available, accessible and affordable for residents in need. The PAC, composed of leaders from local provider organizations, offers professional insights and guidance on program operations and emerging community needs.

The MHASAB meets on the second Thursday of the month at 5:15 p.m. at the Division of Community & Behavioral Health Services (Morris County Non-Profit Mall), 1 Medical Drive in Morris Plains. Meetings are open to the public and provide a forum for addressing behavioral health needs in the community.