Advocacy E-news June 15, 2020
June 15, 2020
MENTAL ILLNESS THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN 11 POLICE SHOOTINGS IN MONMOUTH, OCEAN SINCE 2015
Since 2015, there have been 11 fatal police-involved shootings in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Race does not appear to have been a significant factor in the police-involved deaths in the two counties. Eight were white, one was Asian, one was Black and one was of an unknown race. But mental health problems were. Four of the fatal shootings followed calls about suicidal men. Four others started with a call to police about men acting otherwise erratically.
Go to the Asbury Park Press story
HOW SHOULD N.J. REFORM WHEN POLICE CAN USE FORCE? AG WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU
State authorities are looking to overhaul New Jersey’s law enforcement use of force policy for the first time in two decades amid national turmoil over police violence, and they’re seeking public input. The state Attorney General’s Office on Friday launched a website seeking public comment on how to reform the rules given to police officers for when they can and cannot use violence in the course of their duties.
FIRST-TIME GUN OWNERS AT RISK FOR SUICIDE, MAJOR STUDY CONFIRMS
The decision to buy a handgun for the first time is typically motivated by self-protection. But it also raises the purchasers’ risk of deliberately shooting themselves by ninefold on average, with the danger most acute in the weeks after purchase, scientists reported on Wednesday. The risk remains elevated for years, they said. The findings are from the largest analysis to date tracking individual, first-time gun owners and suicide for more than a decade.
ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE’S HEARING ON MENTAL HEALTH IN NJ
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presenting increased challenges and stressors, the Assembly Health Committee held a hearing Thursday with testimony from invited guests to discuss the mental health needs of New Jersey residents. Health Committee Chair Herb Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington) released the following statement upon the conclusion of the hearing:
BILL WOULD REQUIRE INSURERS TO COVER TELEHEALTH LIKE IN-PERSON DOCTOR’S VISITS
A bill requiring all New Jersey health benefits plans, Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare, and the State Health Benefits Programs and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program to cover telehealth services was introduced by Assemblywoman Joann Downey, D-11th District, last week and co-sponsored by Sen. Vin Gopal, D-11th District, on Tuesday. Assembly Bill 4179 and Senate Bill 2559 would require all health insurance plans to reimburse providers for telehealth or telemedicine services with the same amount that they would be reimbursed for providing in-person services.
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