Dr. Stout Receives MHA Humanitarian Award

Dr. David M. Stout, president of Brookdale Community College, has been recognized with the prestigious Humanitarian Award by the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Monmouth County. This esteemed accolade acknowledges individuals who tirelessly advocate for mental health in their personal and professional lives. Dr. Stout’s unwavering commitment to mental health and his remarkable contributions to his community have earned him this well-deserved recognition.

For Dr. Stout, the journey toward this humanitarian honor has been deeply rooted in his mission to support mental health. From his early days, he has been driven by a desire to positively impact the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges. This passion ultimately led him to pursue a career in psychology, and while his path eventually diverged from clinical counseling, his dedication to mental health advocacy only grew stronger.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Stout has taken on various roles that allowed him to address the critical mental health needs of individuals in his community. His tireless efforts span a multitude of initiatives, each designed to enhance the mental well-being of those he serves.

One of his notable achievements includes serving on the County’s Mental Health Board and the Human Services Needs Assessment Committee. These positions have allowed him to contribute significantly to developing mental health policies and services within Monmouth County, positively impacting countless lives.

Dr. Stout’s dedication extends even further as he played a pivotal role in establishing the KEYS Academy Recovery High School on the Brookdale Community College campus. This groundbreaking institution offers a supportive environment for students in recovery from substance use disorders, emphasizing education, counseling, and recovery support.

In addition, Dr. Stout has been instrumental in creating transitional programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, providing valuable resources and support to this underserved community.

One of his most notable achievements has been the declaration of Brookdale Community College as a “Stigma-Free” campus. This groundbreaking initiative strives to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, encouraging open conversations and offering support to students and staff facing mental health challenges.

Furthermore, Dr. Stout’s vision and leadership have culminated in opening the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center on the Brookdale campus. This state-of-the-art facility, set to open this Fall, will provide a wide range of holistic services and resources to promote mental and emotional well-being among students and the community.

Dr. David M. Stout expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I am humbled to receive the Humanitarian Award from the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, an organization that is very close to my heart. Supporting mental health has been central to my personal mission since my earliest days, eventually driving me to pursue a career as a psychologist. Though my winding career path eventually led me away from the counseling profession, I have been privileged to serve in various roles that enabled me to address the mental health needs of individuals in our community.”

Dr. Stout’s tireless efforts to reduce stigma, provide support, and offer resources to those in need exemplify the essence of humanitarianism, and his legacy of compassion and advocacy will undoubtedly continue to positively impact countless lives for generations to come.

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