Shrewsbury, NJ: On Sunday, August 30, 2015, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA) will be hosting the First Annual Ride For Patriots event. This event is being held to honor our military and to raise awareness of the mental health services that MHA offers to military and all families in Monmouth County. Registration begins at 9:00am for the police escorted motorcycle ride that leaves at 11:00am from the PNC Arts Center Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Manasquan VFW Post 1838 where participants will enjoy a BBQ lunch. Following the lunch, an exclusive screening of the documentary film Project 22 will take place at the Manasquan High School. The cost is $25.00 per bike registration and $15.00 per passenger. Supporters may also take part in the BBQ lunch and movie screening only which is $15.00 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
In the United States alone, twenty-two Veterans commit suicide per day. Project 22 follows two combat-wounded Veterans on a mission to find hope. Riding motorcycles from San Francisco to New York, Daniel Egbert and Doc King speak with Veterans to learn about the post-war challenges that lead to suicide and the healing that they are finding in alternative forms of therapy, such as sailing, pottery, education, service dogs and more. During the 6,500 mile journey, the riders interview leading researchers, mental health clinicians, and educators who specialize in Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress, as well as, a leading expert in Warrior Culture and Combat Stress.
MHA Operating Board members, James Fagen of Manasquan and Erika Woods of Howell are the Co-chairs and creators of this event. “As we continue to expand our efforts to address the mental health needs of our returning service members, veterans, and their families, we are so fortunate and grateful to have the opportunity to present this exclusive film screening. We hope that through these types of community events, those in need will learn about and utilize our free mental health services that are available to military and all families in Monmouth County,” said MHA Executive Director, Wendy DePedro.
MHA is currently offering two free family support groups to help veterans’ families; the Sanctuary and Safe Place programs. The Sanctuary program offers support for family and friends of active duty members or veterans experiencing emotional difficulties. The Safe Place program offers bereavement therapy to family and friends who have lost an active duty member or veteran to casualties of war or suicide. Both groups are led by Thomas Morgan, Psy. D. Dr. Morgan is a Licensed Psychologist in New Jersey and provides consultation, program evaluation, supervision, training, and therapy services. Dr. Morgan’s areas of particular clinical focus include PTSD and family survivors of military suicide.
More information on these programs can be found at www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org. Please visit our website, email mhafoundation@mentalhealthmonmouth.org, or call 732-542-6422 x107 to register or to learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities.
About the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA):
MHA has been providing advocacy and services to families in Monmouth County for 65 years. MHA is dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness and improving the care and treatment of persons affected by mental illness. MHA strives to accomplish this mission through the creation and implementation of innovative programs, education, advocacy, and community partnerships.
For more information about Project 22, please visit http://medicinalmissions.com/archives/updates/project-22-usa-2015-electronic-press-kit
Full press release can be downloaded here:
Ride for Patriots Press Release Announcement
CONTACT: STEPHANIE DECKER
732-542-6422 X108
sdecker@mentalhealthmonmouth.org