In America, one in five adults lives with a mental illness, according to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. During Mental Health Awareness Month this year, NAMI’s Take the Moment campaign shines a light on the resources NAMI has available to assist people with mental illnesses and their support systems. 

BCLS is also taking the moment to highlight ways you can champion good mental health within your own life and community. Below, you’ll find a variety of programming and resources to help you look after your mental health.

Mental Health Resource Page

We are pleased to announce a new webpage of mental health and wellness resources at BCLS, in Burlington County, and throughout New Jersey and the United States. On our Mental Health Resources Page located under Research & Learn, here is some of the information you’ll find: 

• Hotlines for mental health support
• Resources for suicide prevention
• Mental health support for LGBTQ+ folks
• Aid for the BIPOC community 
• Age-based assistance for youths and teens

In addition, you can use Health Source: Consumer Edition to do some independent research on mental wellness; just sign in with your library barcode. Here are some examples of what you will find on this database: 

• Check out this periodical from Scientific American titled “Sleep Sustains Emotional Health” to learn about how lack of sleep can damage our mental health. 
• This video from Associated Press titled “Some US cities forgot police on mental health calls” details some of the benefits of sending a paramedic or clinician to people in mental health crises instead of police officers. 

May Mental Health Events

Our new webpage also provides links to several series of events that are available throughout the library system. One ongoing event that is available at every branch features our Community Resource Navigators. If you’re looking for local programs to find a job, financial assistance, and mental health resources, the Community Resource Navigators can help. This service is available on a drop-in basis to connect you with the best assistance program for your needs. 

In addition to Community Resource Navigators, you’ll also find these events happening this month:

• NJ SHIP Information Session – May 14, 2 pm at Cinnaminson Library
  Nina Delong, a counselor with New Jersey's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) will speak about Medicare, Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, and assistance for low-income seniors. This includes mental health benefits and medications for the aging community. Registration required. 
• NJ SHIP Information Session – May 16, 2 pm at Maple Shade Library
  Nina Delong, a counselor with New Jersey's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) will speak about Medicare, Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, and assistance for low-income seniors. This includes mental health benefits and medications for the aging community. Registration required.
• Chair Yoga with Samaiyah – May 18, 11 am at Burlington County Library 
  Chair yoga for adults and seniors is a positive routine to build confidence and keep you feeling your best. Experience the benefits of increased circulation, alleviated stress, relaxation and so much more! All skill levels are invited to participate in this program. Registration required
• Home Sweet Home: Decluttering  – May 21, 11 am, Virtual Class
  One of the biggest challenges for many homeowners is going through their “stuff” at home, deciding what to do with everything, and having the motivation to get through this very dreaded process. Registration required.
• Gentler Yoga – May 22, 6 pm at Maple Shade Library
  Stretch, strengthen and breathe with postures that are performed on a mat. Standing and balance poses will be included. No experience is necessary. Please bring your mat and wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. Registration required.
• Gentle Yoga – May 22, 6 pm at Pinelands Library
  Grab a mat and join us for a gentle yoga class led by a certified instructor. Please wear comfortable clothing. Registration required.
• Read to a Dog Program – at Pinelands and Burlington County Library
  Bring your reading voice and get ready to have a “PAWsome” time reading to a registered therapy dog! Reading to animals has been shown to increase literacy skills and build confidence. Come early to pick out a book at our library or bring one of your own to read to the dog. Each time slot is 15 minutes. Registration required.

This new webpage will be regularly updated to reflect the importance of mental health and mental health awareness year-round. Take advantage of all we have to offer and take care of your mental health!