With the new administration in place, there are many
unknowns and we look forward to hearing more from Governor Phil Murphy about
his plans concerning the state’s community-based services for children and
adults with mental illnesses, substance use disorders,
intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring health conditions.
Undoubtedly, there will be opportunities. For example, during
the inauguration, Gov. Murphy acknowledge the importance of services to address
the opioid crisis, other substance use disorders and mental illnesses. I feel confident
that Gov. Murphy will support services to address all of the health conditions
that are prevalent in the populations our members serve.
Of course, many funding needs must be met and regulatory
issues need to be resolved to ensure access to the life-saving services our
members provide. While the service delivery landscape is being restructured, we
will continue to advocate for increased reimbursement rates; support for workforce
development; inclusion of social determinants of health, such as housing,
supported education and supported employment, in healthcare models; and full
enforcement of parity.
Specifically, the behavioral health system needs higher capacity
in partial care, outpatient and residential programs. Rate increases are needed
to meet this need. Rates and policies for Community Support Services need to be
improved so that these programs can continue to be available to individuals in
need. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services has been examining
this more closely. Additional funding is also needed to continue and expand
supported employment and other services that enable individuals in recovery
from mental illnesses and substance use disorders to rebuild their lives.
There needs to be a huge infusion of new funding because the
suicide rate in New Jersey is continuing to increase and the shortage of
psychiatrists, APNs and clinicians makes it difficult to serve everyone in need.
One in four individuals has a mental illness and many also have substance use
disorders. This underscores the critical importance of ensuring prompt access
to high-quality services.
There needs to be assurance that current programs continue
with adequate reimbursement rates that have inflationary factors incorporated
to keep pace with the cost of living. In addition, funding for expansion of
programs is necessary so that everyone in need of services has access to them.
Equally important are continued and increased efforts to
eliminate stigma about both substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Stigma
stops people from coming forward and seeking help that can save their lives and
greatly improve their quality of life.
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