2024 advocacy piece

2 Diverse Faces: All Are Worthy of Full Investment New Jersey’s Behavioral Health Workforce Brings Hope and Recovery to Those in Need Alice L. will never forget her tragic childhood. Her mother had alcoholism, neglected her daughter and died when Alice was five years old. For many years afterwards, Alice suffered physical and emotional abuse from her stepmother. The lingering scars of Alice’s childhood manifested as depression. As her depression and physical ailments worsened, it became increasingly difficult to stay employed and financial troubles mounted. In 2015, Alice’s marriage ended, she suffered a breakdown and tried to take her life. “I had no hope. I was devastated and I couldn’t climb up,” she shared. Following a three-month hospitalization in 2019, Alice began attending NewBridge Services’ day treatment program. She developed skills to manage “Mental health has become the defining public health and societal challenge of our time. Far too many people and their families are suffering and feeling alone.” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Press Release, August 10, 2023 “To me, it is unconscionable in our country and morally unacceptable to treat 20 percent of our population ( 1 in every 5 people in our country stress and frustration, identified goals and built the confidence to work toward achieving them. With NewBridge’s help writing a resume, Alice secured a part-time job in which she continues to thrive. “I love the counselors and the classes! They helped me put things in perspective,” Alice said. “I don’t feel alone anymore because I have NewBridge! I have hope!” will experience a mental illness this year) as though they were not worthy of care.” Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, Testimony to the House Education and Labor Committee, Subcommittee on Health, July 9, 2007