February 13, 2025

Greater Investment Is Needed in Community Services

Mental health care, treatment for substance use disorders and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) enable people of all ages to not only manage these health conditions, but also achieve many other goals, including education, meaningful employment and positive relationships with family members and friends. However, despite ample evidence of this tremendous positive impact — as well as substantial savings for the state — funding has been inadequate for years and continues to be insufficient. This situation has resulted in reduced access to these life-affirming services and, therefore, lost opportunities for individuals to reach their greatest potential. Advocates are reinforcing that the FY2026 State Budget must not only avoid funding cuts, but also include significantly increased funding for the behavioral healthcare and IDD systems for children, youth, adults and families throughout New Jersey.

“Everybody is waiting in suspense with the unpredictability of what is to come from the federal level and how that can impact people with any kind of disability,” stated Debra L. Wentz, President and CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies during a recent press conference with leaders of several other statewide advocacy organizations. “We are asking Governor Murphy and the Legislature to make people a priority. The populations we serve are very vulnerable,” she stressed.

Please click here for additional details in a press release based on this press conference.

To watch the recording of the press conference, during which the advocates provide additional details on the funding levels needed and their importance, including the positive impact on individuals’ quality of life and on the state’s bottom line, click here and use the following passcode: !@Y5ubgd