Diverse Faces Many Lives: New Jerseyans Rely on Mental Health and Substance Use Services to Thrive

Aarav has struggled with multiple mental health conditions and had been suicidal since his early 20’s. Over the years, he was admitted into psychiatric hospitals numerous times for extended periods of time. However, he was not able to achieve lasting stability. Aarav’s psychiatrist recommended that he enroll in Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton’s Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT). Aarav has become an extremely active PACT participant. He participates in various recreational events and Illness Management Recovery Group meetings, and he works out regularly at a gym. Before, I was in the hospital 50 or 60 times, but I’ve never been in the hospital since I started with PACT. The PACT team saved my life.” 5 Funding Needed to Make More Successes Such as Aarav’s Possible Cover the cost of minimum wage increases so children and adults do not have to wait for treatment and other services. AARAV