Ali and Omar Doukali, owners Genova Pizza in Audubon, commissioned a mural of their late grandmother, Julia Rita Brown, to celebrate her life and the impact she had on their family and the community.

Burlington County just unveiled its latest initiative, which reminds residents with mental health struggles that they're not alone.

On Friday, May 9, county commissioners and Department of Human Services employees introduced the first of 14 "buddy benches" at the Bring Health Home Resource Fair, according to a press release. The benches are inscribed with the words "You Are Not Alone ... Call 988 Crisis Lifeline" and are to be installed at parks throughout the county.

"Mental health is an essential part of overall health, and Burlington County continues to go above and beyond to provide help, support and hope to anyone struggling with a mental health challenge," Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, liaison to the Department of Human Services, said in the press release.

"These benches are another step to help eliminate stigma and send a message to all residents struggling with mental health: You are not alone. Help is available and it is close."

According to county officials, the benches are derived from a concept often seen in schools and on playgrounds across the country that encourages kids looking for a friend to play with to sit on the buddy bench. In turn, other kids are encouraged to show kindness to others by inviting lonely peers to play.

In Burlington County, the benches are meant to serve as a reminder that help is available for people struggling with mental health conditions such as substance use disorder, depression, stress and anxiety.

"Just as mental health conditions impact all ages, both children and adults can benefit from having (these benches) in our parks and other public spaces," said County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks.

"The benches remind us that we can all become impacted by mental health conditions and that no one should fear stigma or shame about reaching out for help and support."

The benches were purchased using federal funds that the county received to bolster mental health services.

This is the latest of a number of initiatives county officials have acted on in recent years to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

In 2021, commissioners approved a resolution that would make the Burlington County a "stigma-free county," launching a campaign to address and dispel mental health misconceptions, according to the press release.

Just last month, commissioners announced a grant program that would provide $5,000 to each of the county's 40 municipalities for substance use prevention programs.