2026-advocacy-piece

8 The Behavioral Health Budget Must Reflect New Jersey Value & Needs R obert Brooks started in Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton’s (CCDoT’s) Partners in Recovery program in 2017. While receiving treatment for substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress, he naturally started helping others in the program. “My counselors would say, ‘That’s case management’. I guess they were preparing me for what was to come,” Robert said. Just a year later, he was hired as a Peer Mental Health Advocate. “It’s my lived experience,” Robert said that helps him connect to the clients in the programs. “They know I’ve been where they are. Some people remember me from when I was in group. They remember my change. They have seen my transformation.” Robert earned an Associate’s degree from Camden County Community College and became a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He then graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Direct Care. His current role at CCDoT is Dual Disorder Coordinator in the Partners in Recovery program and the Partial Care program in Westampton. Invest $8 million for recruitment and retention bonuses for behavioral health staff. Pass S2123/ A3577 to bring accountability to New Jersey’s licensing Boards. Invest $5 million in incentives for behavioral health organizations to become field placement sites and provide clinical supervision of interns. Invest $4,175,000 to bring the behavioral health loan redemption program budget to $8 million . RECOMMENDATIONS