Advocacy E-News July 29, 2019

July 29, 2019

 

JUDGE ORDERS MEDIATION IN GREYSTONE PSYCHIATRIC LAWSUIT

A federal judge has ordered New Jersey officials to enter mediation with attorneys for patients and staff at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital who claim in a lawsuit that conditions there are dangerous and potentially deadly.

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SENATE EXTENDS FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH CLINICS

The Senate on Thursday passed a two-month extension of a Medicaid demonstration enabling innovative mental health centers in eight states including New Jersey to offer broad, coordinated services for serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Two-year funding for the $1 billion certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) ended on July 14. Centers have notified staff and patients about layoffs and service cuts. But none of the programs have shut down yet, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health.

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“MENTAL HEALTH FOR US” LAUNCHED AHEAD OF 2020 ELECTION SEASON

Eight of the nation’s most prominent mental health and addiction organizations including NAMI united today to launch Mental Health for US, a landmark nonpartisan initiative designed to elevate mental health and addiction in policy conversations during the upcoming election season. Mental Health for US is a nonpartisan educational initiative focused on elevating mental health and addiction in policy conversations by empowering grassroots advocates and improving candidate and policymaker health literacy.

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ADVOCATES STRESS NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Personal stories, as well as legislative priorities, demonstrate to New Jersey’s congressional delegation that a place to call home is key to reducing homelessness. Advocates were in Washington, DC to urge the state’s congressional delegation to support proposed policy priorities meant to give residents access to affordable homes.

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WORK BEING DONE TO IMPROVE VETERAN HEALTH CARE, WITH FOCUS ON SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

The Department of Veterans Affairs has long been a target for criticism, and political campaigns promising to improve it. After years of reported scandals at the VA, work is being done to improve the treatment veterans receive when they return from service, particularly in the nation’s modern wars.

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