NJAMHAA
Gov. Murphy’s Proposed Budget Aims to Improve Economy, Health and Future Opportunities
February 23, 2021
Statement from Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO
The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) appreciates Governor Phil Murphy’s continued focus on addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and pandemic, bolstering youth services with a sustained increase to Children’s System of Care rates and providing $86.1 million that will go to providers to cover two years of minimum wage increases, as he announced during his FY2022 Budget Address earlier today.
NJAMHAA applauds Gov. Murphy’s proposals related to health care, which include renewal and expansion of funding for women’s health and family planning; investment in First Lady Tammy Murphy’s strategic initiatives to improve maternal and infant health and related racial disparities; provision of Medicaid coverage for one full year after childbirth; and strategic use of federal Medicaid funds to launch a Cover All Kids initiative for children who are currently uninsured. NJAMHAA supports the proposed increased funding for providers of residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; expansion of the Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled program; and continued investment to tackle the opioid crisis.
In addition, NJAMHAA is encouraged by Gov. Murphy’s healthcare priorities, including affordable and accessible health care, which is underway through the establishment of Get Covered New Jersey, New Jersey’s own healthcare insurance marketplace, and by the open enrollment being extended through May 15, 2021 in response to the pandemic.
NJAMHAA commends the Governor’s initiatives that are essential for individuals’ health and wellbeing by providing opportunities for them to lead meaningful, successful lives. These include substantial funding for pre-K through 12th grade education; free tuition for eligible students pursuing Associate’s degrees and for the first two years at four-year public colleges and universities; workforce development and creation of jobs.
We urge the State Legislature to not only support the Governor’s proposals, but also address the significant increased need for mental health and substance use treatment amidst the pandemic by further expanding and strengthening proven community-based programs.
Click here for more details on NJAMHAA's budget, legislative and administrative recommendations in its new advocacy campaign, Building a Bridge to a Better Future.
A Virtual Experience. Stayed tuned for more details!
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:
- New Jersey's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan (Prepared by the New Jersey Department of Health)
- New Jersey Department of Health's COVID-19 Vaccination Resources and Weekly Newsletter Vax Matters
- Vax Matters (Published December 18, 2020)
- Inaugural Edition of Vax Matters (Published December 4, 2020)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccine Resources
NJAMHAA in the News:
Final FY2021 Budget Sustains Most Behavioral Health Funding, Adds Investments
New Jersey's 2021 Budget Should Expand Mental Health Treatment
New Jerseyans Need More Mental Health Services in this Time of COVID-19
Coronavirus Resources
To help everyone stay informed about the coronavirus and recommendations that have been shared by various resources, NJAMHAA has consolidated resources. Click here to access links.
Race and Behavioral Health Resources
NJAMHAA has compiled a list of resources related to race and mental health. Click here to access the links.
|
NJAMHAA Members Pay Discounted Rates! Visit njamhaa.org to view our NJAMHAA Member Directory to see if your organization is a NJAMHAA member. All employees of NJAMHAA member organizations receive the member rate to NJAMHAA events. For a listing of NJAMHAA events, please visit njamhaa.org/events. |
Connect People with Developmental Disabilities with their Communities
March Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month March 1, 2021 Isolation has been a common issue for individuals with disabilities since long before the COVID-19 pandemic, which has worsened the sense of seclusion for many in this vulnerable population. While connections with oth...Every Body Should Have a Seat at the Table
February 22nd through February 28th Is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week February 22, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health and substance use disorders. An article that was published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders (2020) ...Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Must Build Bridge to a Better Future for New Jerseyans
An op-ed written by NJAMHAA President and CEO Debra L. Wentz, PhD, has been published by insidernj.com and ROI-NJ. The op-ed states that the numbers of individuals contending with mental illness, subst...Health Equity and Racism
National Council for Behavioral Health: Addressing Health Equity and Racial Justice Faces and Voice of Recovery: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine: COVID-19 and Black Communities PsychHub has compiled a douc...Treatment of Mental Illness and Cancer Can Result in Better Outcomes
February 4th Is World Cancer Day MERCERVILLE - The coronavirus has left people with preexisting conditions and illnesses particularly vulnerable. The American Cancer Society explains that people who have cancer are more susceptible to COVID-19 because they have an impaired immune sy...Self-Care Improves Mental Health and Heart Health
February 1, 2021 February Is American Heart Month MERCERVILLE - While scientists and experts are still learning about the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the heart, there is evidence that people who have pre-existing heart conditions are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Pre...Focus on Self Care to Enhance Mental Health during Winter
December 10, 2020 MERCERVILLE - This winter season will be unlike any other. Stress and finances are always a concern, but now that might be even more of a concern due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Margaret "Peggy" Swarbrick, PhD, FAOTA, of the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey...The “Holiday Blues” Are More Melancholic in the COVID-19 Pandemic
November 25, 2020 MERCERVILLE - The holiday season is often associated with a time of being and feeling joyous. However, there are many people who do not feel that way due to their financial and time constraints, coping with challenges in interpersonal relationships, and seasonal chan...NJAMHAA Highlights Numerous Advocacy Successes and National Recognition in Annual Report
June 18, 2020 NJAMHAA's advocacy on behalf of mental healthcare and substance use treatment providers has been and continues to be extremely effective on the state and federal levels. For example, advocacy recently led to the state's increased reimbursement rate for long-term resident...EHR Interoperability Program Benefits Substance Use Treatment Providers and Ind
October 19, 2020A study from the National Institutes of Health found that individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) are more susceptible to COVID-19 and related complications. The findings of the study suggest that healthcare providers should monitor patients who have SUDs more closely and dev...
Call Us:
