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

At 10 years old, Zhan was referred by an inpatient child psychiatric unit to CFG Health Systems’ A Step Ahead Elmer program. The treatment team was told that Zhan would most likely be residential bound when she finished the program. However, through intensive behavior modification; structure, group and family therapy; medication management; and the unwavering support and advocacy from the treatment team, Zhan was able to achieve a complete turnaround. Her mood stabilized and for the first time, she felt like she had succeeded at something. She became a role model for her peers and a leader in the program, and she graduated from A Step Ahead Elmer on the highest level. ZHAN I never had friends before and now I do. I always felt bad about myself and now I don’t. This program is awesome! 7 Strengthen the Early Intervention Support Services and School-Based Youth Services Program so there is capacity to serve more children, youth and adults. Without fortifying with increased investment the full continuum of mental healthcare and substance use treatment programs, as well as nonclinical support services, the needs of so many of New Jersey’s diverse population who are trying to cope with the varied and broad impacts of the ongoing pandemic cannot be addressed. Funding Needed to Make More Successes Such as Zhan’s Possible