Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 11h

Join us Oct 24 at Kean University for Confronting the Stigma — a FREE mental health event empowering Black & Brown men to heal presented by @bilalworldentertainment.

🕠 6:30 PM Resource Fair
🎬 7:30 PM Film + Panel w/ @realmuhammadbilal & Dr. Jeffrey Gardere

Register ➡️ endstigma.eventbrite.com

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 13h

In September, the first-ever Badge for Resilience Walk at Lake Papaianni honored first responders lost to suicide and raised awareness that help is available.

Organized by Edison Police & the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office to support officers’ mental health.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4h8HaD3

Badge for Resilience walk in Edison remembers first responders who died by suicide

The event was organized by Edison police and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office as part of a state and local effort to help officers in need.

newjersey.news12.com

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AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 15h

If there is one thing you do today, learn the warning signs of someone at risk for suicide. It can only take a few minutes.

Learning these critical warning signs can help you identify someone at risk, provide support, and encourage them to seek the help they need and deserve.

afsp.org/warningsigns

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 1d

Stockton University Foundation Board member Karen Alton hosted a benefit supporting the Alton Mental Health Initiatives Fund — helping expand counseling, peer support, and mental health programs for students.

Read more: https://stockton.edu/news/2025/benefit-by-the-bay.html

Benefit on the Bay Raises Awareness and Support for Student Mental Health

Event hosted by Stockton University Foundation Board member Karen Alton

stockton.edu

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 1d

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we recognize the urgent need for culturally competent mental health resources for Native and Indigenous communities. 💙

Share and amplify these resources to help empower others during times of crisis and need.

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 2d

Karly lost her brother, Korbin — a Senior Airman in the United States Air Force — to suicide.

Shortly after his passing, with Korbin's loved ones by her side, Karly led her local #OutOfTheDarkness Community Walk and honored her brother's legacy.

Read: https://bit.ly/3IY9jzU

We Need to Walk for Korbin

The Out of the Darkness Walks have helped me, and so many others, realize that together, we can fight to prevent suicide, and end the stigma that leads people to believe asking for help is a weakness.

bit.ly

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 3d

On #NationalComingOutDay, find ways to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community around you. 🏳️‍🌈Speak out against discrimination, educate yourself, and stand with your loved ones each and every day.

For more support, visit afsp.org/LGBTQ

LGBTQ mental health and suicide prevention

AFSP is dedicated to preventing suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. As a public health organization, AFSP believes that it is our individual and collective responsibility to support the mental health and wellbein...

afsp.org

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 3d

We'll just leave this here.💙 A message to take with you — not just this #MentalIlnessAwarenessWeek — but each and every day.

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 4d

🧠 Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay.

In NJ, 988 answered 130K+ calls, texts & chats in 2024—but progress is at risk without stable funding.

A modest 40¢ monthly phone fee (S4502/A5972) would raise $61M to keep 988 strong.

💬 On our worst day, we deserve help, not handcuffs. #NJLeg

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AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 4d

🧠 Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay.

In NJ, 988 answered 130K+ calls, texts & chats in 2024—but progress is at risk without stable funding.

A modest 40¢ monthly phone fee (S4502/A5972) would raise $61M to keep 988 strong.

💬 On our worst day, we deserve help, not handcuffs. Its time to act. #NJLeg

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 4d

It's #WorldMentalHealthDay! 💙🌎

If there’s one thing you take away from today, please know that the world needs you here — just as you are.

Check in on your own mental health and the mental health of your loved ones, or consider commenting a message of hope for someone below.

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AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 6d

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman champions mental health equity for Black youth with a new resolution backed by @afspnewjersey, @NAMICommunicate, and @TrevorProject.

Read more 👇
🔗 https://bit.ly/47azIE1

Congresswoman Watson Coleman Introduces Resolution to Recognize the Continuing Disparities in Black Youth Mental Health Access and Treatment

The Official U.S. Congressional website of Bonnie Watson Coleman

watsoncoleman.house.gov

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 6d

Whether you're struggling in silence or not, we see you.💙

We know the emotional struggles you live with everyday are just as real any physical sickness or injury — even if we can't see them.

If you’re struggling, call 988 or text TALK to 741741.

#MentalIlnessAwarenessWeek

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 7d

For #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, Sayreville War Memorial HS SAC & Wellness Club set up a morning info table to share suicide prevention resources 💛

Recent SAMHSA & CDC data show suicide-related thoughts/behaviors among teens (12–17) have decreased since 2021.

🔗 https://bit.ly/42u2JYC

Sayreville War Memorial HS Student Observes World Suicide Prevention Day

SAYREVILLE, NJ – Sayreville War Memorial High School observed World Suicide Prevention Day last week.Ms. Sacs, the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC), and students in the Wellness Club...

bit.ly

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AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 7d

As a counselor of primarily Latinx clients, Camila and her patients are no strangers to resilience.

Camila draws on resilience as a key tool to help her clients navigate unique challenges that affect their mental health.

Read: https://bit.ly/3BByNtG

#HispanicHeritageMonth

Mental Health and the Latinx Community: How Counselors Can Encourage Resilience and Build Relationships

One of the main challenges my clients experience is the stigma of seeking mental health services. This stigma is rooted in our Latinx/Hispanic family values, and comes from a belief that is necessary ...

bit.ly

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AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 12d

This past weekend, Volunteers Melanie and Carlos tabled at the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival! 🎶🎨

The event was a wonderful opportunity to register many participants for the Out of the Darkness Walk and connect with new volunteers eager to support the mission. 💙

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 12d

You deserve joy, even in the midst of healing.

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 13d

Honored to recognize Officer Eric El-Zind of Paterson Police Department with AFSP NJ’s Lifesaver Award 💙💛

On July 28, 2025, his courage & quick action at the Passaic River saved a woman’s life. A powerful example of bravery & compassion in suicide prevention.

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 13d

#HispanicHeritageMonth is an opportunity for us to highlight ways we can all take action –– both to deepen awareness and conversations about mental health and suicide prevention within Latine/x and Hispanic communities, and to support those who may be struggling to find the help they need.

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 14d

Connecting with each other is one of the foremost ways we can each play a role in saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, this #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth and beyond.

Get started at afsp.org

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AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 15d

AFSP NJ partnered with 5 Star Jeeps for a fundraiser at Miller’s Ale House in Paramus on Sept. 28 🚙💙

Proceeds supported the Bergen County Out of the Darkness Walk (Oct. 4).

Thank you to 5 Star Jeeps for helping us raise awareness + hope!

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 16d

Suicide impacts so many of us, and there is work to be done in our fight to save lives and provide support for those affected by this leading cause of death. We couldn't do it without you.💙

Join us this #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth at afsp.org/chapters

Find a local chapter

With local programs and events in all 50 states, AFSP's chapters are at the forefront of suicide prevention. They create a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, research and advocacy, and support for those af...

afsp.org

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 16d

Friday night at #WeCanSurvive was unforgettable! 🎶💙 Ed Sheeran, Goo Goo Dolls, Alex Warren, Shaboozey & Lola Young lit up the stage, all in support of Audacy’s #ImListening initiative.

A portion of proceeds benefit @afspnational.bsky.social—bringing hope & starting conversations. 💙✨

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AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 16d

Your voice can save lives.📣

We’ve seen new momentum on lifesaving legislation thanks to the incredible advocacy of our passionate Volunteer Advocates, both at the in-person Advocacy Forum and through our Action Center.

Read: https://bit.ly/47PvlPD

#AFSPadvocacy

AFSP’s Priority Legislation Sees New Momentum on Capitol Hill

Thanks to the incredible advocacy of AFSP's passionate Volunteer Advocates, we’ve seen new progress on our priority legislation since the 2025 Advocacy Forum earlier this summer.

bit.ly

AFSP New Jersey @afspnewjersey.bsky.social · 16d

AFSP New Jersey is at the NJ School Counselor Association Conference in Somerset today & tomorrow! 💙 We're sharing resources to support student mental health and ensure every student knows help and hope are within reach. #SuicidePrevention #AFSPNJ

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