Advocacy E-News February 13, 2015
February 13, 2015
ACT NOW TO PROTECT SSDI
Tell your Senators to protect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits! The Social Security Administration (SSA) has projected that without a reallocation of funds, the SSDI trust fund will not be able to pay full benefits within 2 years. Unless the Senate acts now, monthly cash SSDI benefits could be cut by as much as 19%.
Help us protect SSDI for millions of Americans, now and in years to come.
NEW JERSEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PLANNING COUNCIL CALL FOR MEMBERS
The New Jersey Behavioral Health Planning Council, a federally mandated council, is seeking to increase representation of consumers and family members, specifically those in recovery from substance use disorders. The Planning Council serves in an advisory capacity to the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and plays a significant role in providing decision support and guidance to the Division on the Federal Community Mental Health Services Block Grant and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant plans.
For more information and to apply
ADVOCATES URGE NJ SENATE TO RESTRICT SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
Advocates testified Thursday in favor of a bill to severely restrict the use of solitary confinement. The bill, S-2588, sponsored by State Senators Peter Barnes III and Raymond Lesniak, would impose limits and safeguards that have been shown to improve both institutional and community safety. Specifically the bill would Ban the solitary confinement of vulnerable populations, including children and prisoners with mental illness, ensure access to due process, for people subjected to solitary confinement and call on the Department of Corrections to develop safer and more humane alternatives.
SUICIDE PREVENTION FOR VETERANS ACT SIGNED INTO LAW
President Obama signed a measure into law on Thursday to fight a wave of suicide among veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress, a problem that has won increased attention as American troops have returned from Afghanistan and Iraq. The measure, passed by unanimous votes in the House and Senate, was designed to make it easier for veterans to find mental health resources, do more to recruit and retain professionals to help them and increase accountability for the government programs serving them.
BERGEN LAWMAKERS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD ON TREATMENT BILL
Following multiple gut-wrenching testimonials, including several by cops, the Senate Commerce Committee this afternoon passed a drug, alcohol and psychiatric treatment facilitation bill backed by state Senator Robert Gordon (D-38). Aimed at removing bureaucratic barriers, Gordon’s Senate Bill 2180 requires hospitals and insurers to provide coverage, without utilization management review, for behavioral health care services when a physician, a licensed psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, a certified advanced practice nurse, or a licensed physician assistant, prescribes a patient treatment.
FIND YOUR LOCAL NAMI
