OCEAN COUNTY – County officials are launching a new public awareness campaign reminding residents that confidential support is available during a mental health or emotional crisis.
The “We All Matter” public service announcement was created by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the Ocean County Health Department in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. The campaign encourages residents to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline when they or someone they know needs help.
“The message of this campaign is simple — we all matter,” said Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and no one has to face a difficult moment alone.”
Bacchione said preventing suicide is a shared responsibility and stressed that every person’s life has value.
Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi said the announcement is intended to increase awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure residents know where to find immediate assistance.
The campaign builds upon the work of the Ocean County Suicide Mortality Review, a collaborative initiative established in 2025 to examine the circumstances surrounding suicide deaths in the county and identify potential prevention strategies.
Participating community organizations analyze trends, look for gaps in available services and recommend ways to improve prevention efforts and support systems.
Daniel Regenye, the health department’s public health coordinator, said the review allows officials to look beyond statistics and better understand factors that may contribute to suicide.
He said the campaign puts those findings into action by encouraging open conversations about mental health and reminding residents that support is only a phone call or text message away.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential assistance around the clock. People may call or text 988 if they are experiencing a crisis, feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk with.
Friends, relatives, coworkers, educators and other community members may also contact the lifeline for guidance when they are worried about someone else.
Kimberly Reilly, the county health department’s alcoholism coordinator, said suicide prevention must remain a community priority throughout the year, not only during September.
She encouraged schools, businesses, health care providers, community organizations and residents to share information about the lifeline.
“By making 988 a familiar resource, we can help ensure that people who need support know where to turn, and together, we can help save lives,” Reilly said.
The campaign will be shared through county social media accounts and at oceancountyhealth.gov and oceancountynj.gov.
