Dear Residents,

Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission is proud to share our monthly spotlight on two community organizations that offer vital services to residents in Bergen County:

NAMI Greater Bergen
The holidays can be a joyful season but can also remain stressful and challenging for those impacted by mental illness. It is important to focus on your mental health as related health conditions (i.e., depression, anxiety, etc.) may vary from person to person.

A mental illness is considered a medical condition in which an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and overall mood can be disrupted. This can affect their ability to relate to others and complete daily functioning activities. These issues you or a loved one may experience are real, common, and treatable. Mental health awareness is an ongoing effort to reduce misconceptions, stigma and discrimination regarding one’s mental health and their personal experiences.

NAMI Greater Bergen is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with mental illnesses and their families through active support, education, and advocacy at the county, state, and national level. This organization aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and offer a better understanding to anyone who may be concerned and/or seeking treatment options.

Take a free, confidential, online Mental Health Screening to determine whether you are experiencing potential signs and symptoms of a mental health condition here:

https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/?ref=MHANJ

To learn more about support groups and available resources, visit:

https://namigreaterbergen.org/
 
Helping Hand Food Pantry
There is always a constant need for continued food distribution and food drive initiatives. The Helping Hand Food Pantry is a non-profit organization staffed by dedicated volunteers. This organization has a clear mission of serving individuals and populations in need. The pantry serves community members located in the following towns: Emerson, Hillsdale, Oradell, Montvale, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake.

Approximately, 400 residents are served every month, including those who are active members of the military, veterans, older adults (persons aged 65 years or older), and differently abled persons. The Helping Hand Food Pantry is open on Monday evenings and the first Saturday morning monthly. Donations are accepted during these times or by placing non-perishable food donations in the outdoor receptacles at any time. The Helping Hand Food Pantry hosts various events throughout the year such as Relay for Life, Annual Turkey Drives, and the Hillsdale Fire Department Santa Food Truck Run.

One of the ways in which you can help this holiday season is by volunteering your services for their upcoming Turkey Drive. This event will be held on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Hillsdale United Methodist Church (349 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale, NJ 07642. Volunteers must be aged 12 years or older. For those who are interested in volunteering, please send an email to thehelpinghandfoodpantry@gmail.com to learn more. 
Take care and be well,

NWBRHC Staff