StoppingStigma_Oct_2026

Stopping Stigma | October 2026 13 D e borah Merrick is a natural choice for the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma’s new Coordinator of Community Outreach and Partnerships because she has participated in many mental health-related and anti-stigma initiatives for several years. In addition, she co-founded and chairs the NJ Cross-Town Mental Health Coalition (The Coalition), which has grown to bring together 14 municipalities across three counties to collaborate on mental health awareness, education and stigma reduction. Merrick also co-founded the New Providence Mental Health Advocacy and Education Committee, as well as The Mindful Generation, which aims to address the growing connection between digital wellness and youth mental health. “While much of my recent work has included a focus on youth mental health and digital wellness, my broader experience has centered on community mental health, public education, stigma reduction, and building partnerships across municipalities and organizations,” she said. “One of the reasons I am so passionate about this work is that I have seen firsthand how community education and visible public awareness campaigns can make people feel less alone. While we may never know the full impact of our efforts, there are moments that remind me why this work matters,” Merrick stated. One striking example is the “Paint the Town Green” campaign that began in New Providence and has since expanded through the Coalition to communities across North Jersey.” She shared a resident’s Meet Deborah Merrick Stigma Council's new Coordinator of Community Outreach and Partnerships! positive response to the “Be Kind to your Mind” signs. “That message has stayed with me. It reinforced my belief that reducing stigma is not simply about changing public opinion; it is about helping people feel seen, accepted, supported, and more willing to seek help when they need it,” she shared. Merrick brings several years of community mental health advocacy, coalition-building and anti-stigma work to her new role. “Successful outreach is not simply about organizing events; it's about building trusted relationships, connecting people and organizations, and creating sustainable partnerships that continue to grow over time. That is the same collaborative, relationship-driven approach I bring to expanding the reach and impact of the NJ Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma throughout New Jersey,” she stated. Before focusing on community mental health advocacy, Merrick spent years leading large-scale global programs and cross-functional initiatives in the corporate sector, experience that she now applies to building community partnerships and scaling collaborative programs. “I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned through community- based work to the Council and help expand its reach across New Jersey — building partnerships, sharing resources and creating more opportunities for people to talk openly about mental health without fear of stigma,” Merrick said.