June 2025
June – National PTSD Awareness Month
“New Jersey Cares for Those with PTSD"
June is National PTSD Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and supporting those affected. PTSD can impact anyone, including veterans, first responders, survivors of trauma, and everyday citizens. This campaign highlights the importance of recognition, compassion, and safety for those living with or at risk for PTSD across New Jersey.
Support Mental Health. Promote Safety.
PTSD is an injury that can be invisible; with awareness and understanding, we can create a culture of healing and resilience. Safety includes mental well-being, especially for those who serve and protect.
Key Messages
- PTSD Is Real. Awareness Is Safety.
- See the Wounds You Can’t See.
- Healing Starts with Understanding.
- Safe Minds, Strong Communities.
- Garden State, Safe State.
- Support First Responders. Support Mental Health.
Recommended Videos for Posting
- What is PTSD? (Whiteboard Video)
- First responders find help by opening up about stress
- New program aims to help first responders dealing with PTSD
Talking Points
- A 2023 New Jersey law (Bill S2892/A4689) ensures first responders who develop PTSD from work-related trauma are eligible for workers’ compensation, reflecting the state’s commitment to mental health in public safety.
- PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed trauma — including car crashes, violence, or service-related events.
- First responders are at higher risk for PTSD due to repeated exposure to traumatic events.
- An estimated 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, including depression and PTSD, compared to 20% in the general population.
May 2025
May – Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
"Young Drivers, Big Responsibility."
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month highlights the urgent need to educate and empower young drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens and young adults. This campaign focuses on prevention, responsibility, and life-saving habits for youth the New Jersey roads.
Drive Responsibly
In a recent year, New Jersey experienced 47,960 crashes involving teen drivers, equating to a teen-involved crash approximately every 10 minutes.
Key Messages
- Garden State, Safe State.
- Your Choices Behind the Wheel Define Your Future
- Slow Down. Live Longer.
- Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
- Seat Belts Save Lives – Every Trip, Every Time
Recommended Videos for Posting
Talking Points
- New Jersey's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is among the most
stringent in the U.S., featuring a three-stage licensing process designed to
provide new drivers with step-by-step instruction and experience. - Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing seat belts are among the top risk factors for young drivers.
- Peer influence is powerful. Encourage youth to speak up against unsafe driving and to be leaders in traffic safety.
- The "Champion Schools" program encourages New Jersey high schools to develop campaigns addressing teen driving safety, fostering peer-to-peer education and community involvement.
April 2025
April – National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
“Eyes Forward, New Jersey”
Distracted driving is a deadly epidemic on our roads. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — is the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.
Drive Responsibly
In 2022, distracted driving killed 3,308 people. April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make on New Jersey’s roads.
