By Carolyn Beauchamp
One in five people in the United States experiences mental illness every year, yet care remains out of reach for millions of people.
Nearly every day, as president and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey and in my personal life, I meet people looking for mental health support services with no idea where to go.
Our mental health care system is overwhelming, expensive and difficult to access. In efforts to change that, New Jersey is currently implementing a novel model of crisis response through the 988 Crisis Continuum of Care.
The 988 Crisis Continuum of Care provides support in three ways:
A 24/7 phone, text and chat service staffed by trained specialists who listen, support and refer when people are experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis An outreach mobile service providing in-person crisis responseTwo support hubs, Crisis Stabilization Centers which provide up to 24 hours of clinical and support intervention, and Crisis Diversion Homes which continue those services for up to 30 days.
This Continuum is designed to provide immediate response in the community to reduce the risk of crisis escalation, hospitalization, or death.
As an alternative to more traditional emergency response, it reduces the risk of trauma associated with emergency room visits.
The problem: Ongoing instability in federal funding streams poses a threat to the continuity of programs like the 988 Crisis Continuum of Care. Further, the launch of the Crisis Receiving Stabilization Centers has been delayed due to funding challenges.
Securing stable funding sources is vital for the 988 Continuum’s long-term stability.
The proposed 988 telecom fee bill (S4502/A5978) establishing a fee at 40 cents a month would provide the Continuum that financial security. Once passed, funding would immediately support the state’s five Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers – a safe place for help.
The 988 Continuum of Care directly links people with the help they need when they need it most.
Calling your elected representative in the state Assembly or Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your state Assembly member and Senator to voice your position, go to the New Jersey Legislature website’s Legislative
Carolyn Beauchamp is president and CEOMental Health Association in New Jersey.
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