The Family Support Organization (FSO) of Union County reached thousands of Plainfield commuters during the organization's successful "Honk for Children's Mental Health Awareness Day" on Thursday, May 9th.
According to reports, more than 5000 cars, trucks, and school buses passed the outdoor event, and more than 1,000 of those drivers honked in support. Volunteers held colorful signage and cheered on drivers while the enthusiastic DJ Sienna made short PSA announcements over the loudspeaker about the importance of mental health.
"I am so thankful to all the staff, volunteers, families, and members of the City of Plainfield Police Department who made this Children's Mental Health Awareness Day a safe, fun and engaging experience for the community," said DeLacy Davis, executive director at the FSO of Union County and the New Jersey Alliance of Family Support Centers. "It was a huge success, especially on such a cold 50-degree day in May. We had a crowd of about 20 people who stayed outside for the entire three hours, and we tallied 1,110 honks in support of mental health."
The Family Support Organization (FSO) of Union County is a system partner within New Jersey's Division of Child Behavioral Health Services (DCBHS) which is designed to help children with complex emotional, mental health or behavioral issues.
The FSO of Union County joined more than 1,100 communities across the country in celebrating the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which highlight the importance of children’s mental health.