We Must Focus on Mental Health Among Today’s Youth

On July 16, 988 will become the nationwide 3-digit dialing code for mental health crisis and suicide prevention. It will replace the 1-800 number currently used by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. When someone calls 988 in the United States, it will connect with the mental health crisis/suicide prevention system designed specifically for someone struggling with a mental health issue.   

Sadly, the pandemic has created a mental health crisis among young people and this helpline is an important step to ensuring that people struggling with mental health issues are able to quickly and easily get help if they need it.  Adolescents and teens have paid a toll from the increased isolation, remote learning and social distancing, which have led to this mental health crisis that contributing to a substance use crisis

Earlier this year, a report released by the United States Surgeon General warned of a growing mental health crisis among young people as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emergency in children’s mental health.

For this reason, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) media campaign is focusing on mental health. The campaign aims to raise awareness and educate New Jersey families on measures they can take to ensure that these stressors don’t lead experimentation with substance abuse or misuse.

PDFNJ's public service campaign images

A cornerstone of PDFNJ is encouraging communication. Families need to know that their children are stressed and talk to them. This open communication to address issues before they arise helps prevent substance use or misuse down the road.

The new campaign can be seen on New Jersey Transit buses, trains, PATH trains, bus shelters and billboards throughout the state. If your organization would like to utilize these messages or have them customized for your organization’s needs, please visit our Awareness Toolkit, which features these images in both English and Spanish.

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