Advocacy E-news October 7, 2019
October 7, 2019
NAMI STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE POSITIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a proud member of Mental Health For US, a nonpartisan, educational coalition elevating mental health and addiction in policy conversations around the country. Today, the coalition released candidate responses to their survey which asked 11 questions addressing mental health, drug overdose, criminal justice reform, equal access to care and more.
THE CASE FOR SCREENING STUDENTS FOR ADDICTION, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
A school-based program of early intervention has worked in other states. Health advocates and others argue for its widespread adoption in New Jersey. These specific school-based programs, SBIRT, for Screening Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment are part of a proven clinical model and are effective and efficient in preventing suicide, substance use disorders and other chronic health problems later in life.
PELOSI UNVEILS PLAN TO LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., unveiled her long-anticipated plan to lower the cost of prescription drugs on Thursday. It is a priority shared by President Trump, fueling a glimmer of hope that there is a deal to be had on the issue ahead of the 2020 elections.
NJ TO PROVIDE $2M TO ASSIST RESIDENTS WITH ACA ENROLLMENT
The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance announced on Thursday the state will dedicate up to $2 million in grant funding beyond what the federal government would have provided for state navigators and other organizations to provide enrollment assistance to New Jersey residents shopping for health coverage during this year’s open enrollment period Nov. 1, 2019 to Dec. 15, 2019, as part of the state’s move to a State-Based Exchange on the Federal Platform.