2024 advocacy piece

10 Diverse Faces: All Are Worthy of Full Investment u Pass legislation to establish upward rate and contract adjustments indexed to actual costs for all behavioral health services. u Pass legislation to set Medicaid rates for mental health services equal to Medicare rates . u Pass legislation to establish an annual cost of living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations. u Appropriate $20 million as an initial investment into facility resources for behavioral health providers to further develop integrated care and do necessary repairs and improvements. Since before college, Illias has struggled with anxiety and participated in CarePlus NJ’s C.O.P.E. (Clinical Out-Patient Endeavors) mental healthcare program. After high school, he continued with C.O.P.E. to overcome Individuals with Lived Experience Bring Strength to the Healthcare Workforce challenges associated with living off campus, continuing with school and working, which exasperated anxiety along with feelings of isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. “Illias has shown tremendous strength and motivation in the face of adversity,” said Jen Velten, MA, LPC, ACS, CCTP, DRCC, Senior Director of Trauma Services and C.O.P.E. Supervisor and Clinician, who has worked with Illias for several years. “He has always dreamed of working with science and technology to help people and make their lives better.” With Jen’s support, Illias achieved these goals. He graduated from Rutgers University, is working in pediatric care and plans to earn a Master's degree and then attend medical school.