Along with the typical green that spring adds to the landscape this time of year, there’s a sweeping use of the color by a small but mighty non-profit during the month of May that is intentionally “planted” in high visibility areas around the county.
“Nationwide, green is the color associated with mental health,” explains Carolyn Quinn, Community Education and Wellness Programming Director for the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. “So we’re putting it everywhere we can — along with messaging — to get people thinking, talking, and taking action.”
In more than 70 businesses, libraries, banks, medical offices, schools, and even some restaurants, staff are wearing green awareness pins and bracelets in support of United In Green, a campaign organized by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County during Mental Health Awareness Month. At many locations, there’s signage, information, and resources about wellness, which reaches both employees and the public.
The agency’s goal this year is to distribute 5,000 pins and bracelets. Another place green is popping up is on the backs and sides of dozens of patrol cars with magnets that contain messaging about mental health and stigma.
When the sun goes down, the green theme continues with buildings lit up green at night. The largest showing of support came from Atlantic City on Friday, May 1 when casinos lit up green.
Visual cues and messaging are reminders for residents to prioritize mental health, practice good wellness, and normalize asking for help. This is the third year in a row that the agency championed the local United In Green campaign, which grows every year.
“All the individuals and community partners who joined us in this initiative demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of community members and sends a powerful message of support,” said Quinn.
Widespread social media posting of all the participants of United In Green will continue daily throughout the month of May.
The idea, organizers say, is that the visual impact will inspire and prompt people to take action for their own mental health and wellness.
There is no cost associated with participating in United In Green. If you would like to participate, contact Karen Williams at 609-652-3800 ext. 0311 or kwilliams@mhanj.org.
