PARSIPPANY, NJ–May 16, 2025–This May, Delta Dental of New Jersey (DDNJ) is proud to once again join forces with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) and businesses statewide in lighting up green to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month and raise awareness about often-overlooked link between oral health and mental well-being.

Mental health challenges such as depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety can often hinder an individual’s ability to maintain oral hygiene. Research shows that neglecting oral health can, in turn, worsen mental health conditions, including causing infections that may impact cognitive health.

In New Jersey, 15% of adults reported a history of diagnosed depression in 2022, with significantly higher rates among women. 

“The connection between oral health and mental health cannot be stressed enough and has been minimized for far too long. We’ve diligently worked to expand access to oral health care through our Special Health Care Needs benefit for group plans and in working with our Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation grantees to reach the populations in dire need of this support,” said Dr. Keith Libou, Chief Clinical Officer of Delta Dental of New Jersey and MHANJ Board of Trustees member. “We are proud to be among the New Jersey business community supporting these efforts to raise awareness,” he continued.

Green — the national color for mental health awareness — symbolizes hope and renewal. Lighting buildings green for Mental Health Awareness Month — including Delta Dental’s own Parsippany headquarters — is part of a growing movement in New Jersey, where businesses, from healthcare systems to major corporations, are joining in solidarity. Click here for the list of structures that have registered to shine green in New Jersey during Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Mental health touches every aspect of our lives, and raising awareness serves us all,” said Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of MHANJ. “Our goal is to foster understanding, empower our communities, and diminish the stigma associated with mental health challenges, not just in May but every month. Going green demonstrates community, compassion, and commitment.”

MHANJ’s Mental Health Awareness Month efforts include distributing green pins to raise awareness, offering mental health educational programs, providing access to toolkits, promoting online mental health screenings, and hosting the 18^th Annual Walk for Wellness and Recovery on May 31 in Cranford, NJ.

MHANJ’s affiliate in Essex and Morris Counties partners with Zufall Health Center, a DDNJ Foundation grantee, year-round to provide affordable dental services through the Dental Mobile Van to underserved and unhoused individuals in their area.

DDNJ offers its associates mental health insurance coverage, allotted free therapy sessions, and a hybrid work environment.

For more resources and to take a free mental health screening, visit www.mhanj.org.

About Delta Dental of New Jersey

Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey's leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 2.1 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental and vision coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs.

Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey's mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we're part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 90 million Americans. For more information, visit DeltaDentalNJ.com.

About the Mental Health Association in New Jersey
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization that strives for people to achieve victory over mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training, and services. It is headquartered in Union County, with additional offices in Atlantic, Hudson, and Ocean Counties and affiliates in Essex, Morris, Monmouth and Passaic Counties. For more information visit https://www.mhanj.org, or call 800-367-8850.