The mission of the Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma is to combat mental health stigma as a top priority in New Jersey's effort to create a better mental health system. Through outreach and education, the Council will send a message that mental health stigma must no longer be tolerated.

The issue of mental health stigma is one whose time has come and one that is impacting our lives on local, national and global levels. The NJ Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma will champion this issue and work steadfastly to raise awareness and promote respect, understanding and change.

The campaign to educate and enlighten the public about mental health stigma is paramount to our efforts. Mental illness does not discriminate, but stigma does. When we discriminate against those with mental illness we are discriminating against our mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, friends and neighbors. Embracing mental health and learning more about mental illness will enrich and strengthen the communities in which we live.