2022 advocacy expanded edition

A s the national 988 Crisis Hotline nears implementation in July 2022, as required by federal law, New Jersey must be planful in merging existing and new resources into a community-based system of care that can readily respond to crises while ensuring access to preventive, early intervention services. Too many New Jerseyans cannot access care in a timely manner or at an appropriate level, often leading to involvement with police and emergency rooms as their only entry point to services. New Jersey has many effective programs in place on which to build an integrated, accessible, responsive system, including Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services, Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, Early Intervention Support Services (EISS), and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. In addition, at least four regional Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers, three behavioral health stabilization homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are experiencing behavioral challenges, and an expansion of EISS programs to all 21 counties are planned. What is missing for the 988 Crisis Response System is an investment in community Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOTs) and additional respite programs, as well as extensive training for both 988 and 911 call navigators. The Legislature must pass S3500/ A5496, but that is only a first step that will set a framework for New Jersey’s 988 Crisis Response System. It must be accompanied by an adequate appropriation to support MCOTs and respite programs and facilities. Multiple infusions of one-time federal funding from the 2020 Omnibus, American Rescue Plan and other avenues have provided New Jersey with surplus funds and the opportunity to build a comprehensive, integrated behavioral health system of the future that is accessible, effective and responsive – it must be taken advantage of. Such a system will provide for better outcomes for all New Jersey’s diverse communities and benefit the state’s bottom line. New Jersey Must Seize the Opportunity to Develop a Comprehensive Crisis Response System Able to Respond to All Levels of Mental Health Needs in a Timely, Appropriate Manner 13 Investment Is Needed to Make More Successes Such as Andrea’s Possible Provide new funding for mobile crisis outreach teams and respite services to build a comprehensive, responsive system that provides each New Jerseyan access to an appropriate level of care.