2024 advocacy piece

4 Diverse Faces: All Are Worthy of Full Investment u Invest $60 million (state and federal funds) in behavioral health rates and contracts to allow for more competitive wages. u Invest $5 million for recruitment and retention bonuses. u Invest $5 million in incentives for behavioral health organizations to become field placement sites and provide clinical supervision of interns. “To help someone get stable and to empower someone to regain control of their lives, it’s very, very rewarding. If we didn’t do it, who would?” according to Adiba Saleem, LSW, Manager, Acute Partial Hospitalization, AtlantiCare Behavioral Health. “When people come into our behavioral health urgent care program, they’re often one step away from hospitalization,” Adiba said. Individuals are seen at least weekly until they can be connected to other services, such as AtlantiCare’s outpatient program. “We strive for a 30-day follow-up and we count our successes by having the individuals stable and linked to ongoing care,” Adiba explained. Without this access, individuals will likely require hospitalization or visit emergency departments multiple times. As a result of the support that Adiba and other providers throughout New Jersey’s behavioral healthcare system provide, thousands of individuals have achieved many goals, such as reuniting with their families, returning to careers and entering new professions, pursuing higher education and contributing to their communities. “Everyone can experience mental illness and people need help now more than ever,” Adiba added. “I am proud of the work we do.” Behavioral Healthcare Professionals Help Individuals Avoid Emergency Rooms and Hospitalizations