On March 11, 2024, Mary Abrams, MPP, NJAMHAA's Sr. Health Policy Analyst, testified before the Assembly Budget Committee on the FY2025 Budget. Abrams spoke of the severe strain on the behavioral healthcare workforce as demand, acuity and waiting lists continue to grow. She spoke of the life-saving work done on the front lines every day and asked for the following items to stabilize and strengthen the workforce:
- Invest $60 million (state and federal funds) in Department of Human Services' behavioral health care rates and contracts.
- Invest $5 million for recruitment and retention bonuses.
- Invest $5 million to incentivize providers to become field placement sites offering clinical supervision for interns.
- Provide a 7% cost of living increase to behavioral health rates and contracts within the Department of Children and Families.
- Invest an additional $32 million (state and federal funds) in Care Management Organizations.
- Invest $1.8 million in School Based Youth Services Programs.
You will find these and more in NJAMHAA's written testimony submitted to the Committee and can read more about budget priorities and current legislative priorities in NJAMHAA's current campaign, Diverse Faces: All Are Worthy of Investment.
