Pres. Biden Unveils Plan to Lower Prescription Costs, Levying Inflation Penalties on Drugmakers
March 20, 2023
On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, President Joe Biden delivered
remarks on his Administration's plan to lower prescription drug
costs.
Among the efforts highlighted by President Biden is the Medicare
Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program, which enforces
inflation p...
NJ Utility Bill Moratorium Ended; DCA Encourages Residents to Apply for Assistance Programs
March 16, 2023
The Winter Termination Program has prevented electric, gas, and
water utility companies from shutting off New Jersey residents'
utilities due to nonpayment since November 2022. That moratorium
officially ended on March 15, 2023, potentially exposing many New
Jerseyans t...
President Biden Releases his Blueprint for the FY2024 Federal Budget
March 13, 2023
Yesterday, President Joe Biden released his blueprint for the
federal FY2024 budget. The White House said it was based on four
key goals: "To invest in America, lower costs for families,
protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, and reduce
the deficit".
...
Senate and Assembly Committees Set Public Hearings on FY24 State Budget; Next One March 14th
March 9, 2023
The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will
host an in-person public hearing as part of its budget review
process on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET,
at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Trustees Pavilion, 505 Ramapo
Valley Road, Mahwah...
NJDOH Launches New Overdose Hotspot Outreach Initiative
March 7, 2023
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), in response to
growing racial disparities in overdose deaths, is launching a new
overdose hotspot outreach initiative, prioritizing areas of the
state with high disparities and high rates of overdose among
Black residents.
...
NJAMHAA Testifies at NJ Senate Education Committee Hearing on Teen Mental Health
March 6, 2023
On March 2, 2023, the New Jersey Senate Education Committee held
a hearing on student and teen mental health in response to much
commentary on the issue following the highly publicized death by
suicide last month of 14-year-old Adriana Kuch and a rise in teen
suicide rat...
Mental Health Care Helps Increasing Number of Adolescents with Depression, Anxiety
March 1, 2023
COVID-19, associated isolation and other related difficulties are
commonly considered to be the most significant factors
contributing to the increasing rates of depression, anxiety and
suicidal thoughts and behaviors among teenagers. While this is a
fact, it is also true...
NJAMHAA Applauds Governor’s Proposed Increased Funding for the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce
February 28, 2023
Statement from Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and
CEO
The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction
Agencies (NJAMHAA) is elated with Governor Phil Murphy's proposed
significant investments in the behavioral healthcare workforce.
It is clear that Gov....
DEA Announces Proposed Rules for Permanent Telemedicine Flexibilities
February 28, 2023
Last week, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) announced proposed permanent rules for the prescribing of
medications via telemedicine, expanding patient access to
critical therapies beyond the scheduled end of the COVID-19
Public Health Emergency....
DHS Highlights SNAP Benefits, Investments in the ARRIVE Program, Disabilities Services
February 27, 2023
The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) has
published its February 2023 newsletter, highlighting a
number of important stories and initiatives.
Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance...
Biden Administration Announces Expansion of MAT to All Federal Correctional Facilities
February 23, 2023
On February 22, 2023, Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the White
House National Office of Drug Control Policy, announced that
medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders
would be made available at all federal correctional facilities.
Dr. Gupta spoke...
Suicides in Yaedon Police Custody Draw Attention to Police Actions, Training, and Resources
February 22, 2023
The Borough of Yaedon in Delaware County, Pennsylvania has gained
attention after a series of individuals have died by suicide
while in police custody.
As reported in today's edition of The Philadelphia
Inquirer, the families of Shawn Morcho and Wendy Spence
call...
Duke University Research Uncovers Sale of Individuals’ Mental Health Data
February 21, 2023
"For years, data brokers have operated in a controversial
corner of the internet economy, collecting and reselling
Americans' personal information for government or
commercial use, such as targeted ads," as report...
NJ Age-Friendly Advisory Council and DHS Host Virtual Listening Sessions, Mar. 14th and 21st
February 16, 2023
The New Jersey Age-Friendly Advisory Council and the New Jersey
Department of Human Services (DHS) will be holding two virtual
listening sessions to hear from New Jersey residents about how to
make the state a better place for all ages. Governor Phil Murphy
has taske...
Legislation Proposed to Improve Nonemergency Medical Transport in NJ
February 14, 2023
A2878/S1069, the "Medicaid Transportation Brokerage
Program Oversight and Accountability Act", would establish
vehicle, staffing, and performance standards, and review and
reporting requirements for non-emergency medical transport
provided under the state's non-em...