Children and adults throughout New Jersey represent every
ethnicity, race, language, culture, gender identity and religion,
and many of them have mental health and/or substance use
disorders (SUD). However, many do not have access to
community-based services that have been proven to be highly
effective in addressing these health conditions. As a result,
disparities in health are exacerbated, leaving many without
opportunities not only to achieve physical and mental well-being,
but also to pursue education, employment and other important
goals.
"Access to behavioral healthcare and support services is
essential for achieving social justice and equity. Although
mental health and substance use disorders may not be visible,
they are common throughout New Jersey's multicultural population,
and they have been intensified by the pandemic, Hurricane Ida and
other natural catastrophes, and manmade disasters," said Debra L.
Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of
Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA). "The number of
children and adults needing behavioral healthcare services has
increased exponentially as a result of these traumatic
situations, which have also exposed striking inequities in not
only the high rate of mental illnesses and substance use
disorders, but also access to health care," Dr. Wentz said.
NJAMHAA is launching a campaign, Diverse Faces…Many Lives: New Jerseyans Rely on
Mental Health and Substance Use Services to Thrive, to
underscore that without increased resources for the
community-based behavioral health system, thousands of children,
youth, adults and seniors in our diverse state will not be able
to access the services they need to recover from mental illnesses
and substance use disorders.
For example, Isabella has been struggling alcoholism for more
than 10 years. Before the disease overtook her life, she had a
good career in the casino industry and was married with two
children. At the age of 40, she went back to school to study
nursing. Despite the challenges of being in school while raising
a family and working full-time, she graduated and became a
licensed practical nurse. However, three years ago, Isabella
relapsed and lost everything, including her family and her home.
She received treatment at Maryville Addiction Treatment Center
and is back on the road to recovery.
Unfortunately, many children and adults miss opportunities to
achieve successes such as Isabella's because of limited access to
mental healthcare and SUD services.
"There is a simple solution: To move toward equity in health
care, contracts and fee-for-service rates for mental health and
substance use treatment and supports need to be increased to
match the cost of care and provide for a stable workforce.
Without these resources, our diverse population will not be able
to access the services they need and deserve to live their
healthiest and most fulfilling lives possible," Dr. Wentz
said.
Click here to download NJAMHAA's advocacy campaign.
