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Summer Issue July 28, 2016
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MHANJ Completes Medicaid Transportation Study
and Makes Policy Recommendations to Improve Services
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(Right to left) Carolyn Beauchamp poses with Elana Kravitz and David Leon from Collaborative Supportive Programs - New Jersey after the Assembly Transportation Hearing.
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In a survey conducted by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ), an alarming number of respondents (57%) indicated that their Medicaid transportation to mental health and physical health care appointments has been unreliable or late in the past six months, while 53% indicated that the failed transportation service caused them to miss important appointments. MHANJ conducted the survey in response to complaints and concerns about the inconsistency in quality and reliability of LogistiCare, the company contracted in New Jersey to provide transportation to individuals living with mental health conditions who have Medicaid.
Since then, legislation has been introduced to the Assembly (A3616) and Senate (S2317) to improve
oversight accountability, timeliness and more specific provider training for staff of Medicaid transportation contracted services. In addition, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a report and recommendations
addressing concerns and violations regarding the contracted transportation services for New Jersey's Medicaid recipients.
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Save the Date!
MHANJ's Walk/Run for Wellness and Recovery
Will be held on
Saturday, October 15, 2016, at
Nomahegan Park in Cranford, NJ
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To Benefit
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In Partnership With
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In Partnership With
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MHANJ Grows Mental Health First Aid in NJ
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| Algee congratulates MHANJ's Lynette Sheard on becoming a certified MHFA trainer. ALGEE is a mnemonic device for Mental Health First Aid's five-step Action Plan and the name of the program's koala mascot. |
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The MHANJ's Mental Health First Aid 4 New Jersey (MHFA4NJ) team recently completed a statewide Mental Health First Aid Adult Instructor Training at the Middlesex Fire Academy. The class of 30 students consisted of respresentatives from all of MHANJ's affiliates, YMCA's, the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Municipal Alliances, Carrier Clinic, Urban Mental Health Institute and other organizations committed to behavioral health education. Participants became certified instructors after the week long training.
This brings the number of MHFA instructors to close to 200 in New Jersey. Over this summer MHFA4NJ will be part of the effort to surpass the 10,000 mark in the number individuals trained as a Mental Health First Aider in New Jersey! The MHFA4NJ expansion of the Instructor workforce will result in a much greater capacity to deliver training across the state. Congratulations are extended to Barbara White, Cynthia Spadola, Rachel Odea, and Lynette Sheard from the MHANJ and all other graduates of the training.
Please click here and "Like" the MHA4NJ Facebook page for more information and ongoing updates.
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MHANJ's Barbara Johnston Receives Award
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| Barbara Johnston, MHANJ's Director of Policy and Advocacy, receives award from Cory Storch, Bridgeway's CEO. |
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ngratulations are extended to Barbara Johnston, MHANJ's Director of Policy and Advocacy, upon receiving a 2016 Community Partner Award from Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services.
Barbara's track record includes more than 25 years of dedicated service to healthcare. Her government af
fairs work at MHANJ encompasses a leadership role in legislative activities, policy and advocacy. Barbara chairs the New Jersey Mental Health Coalition and the Northeast Region of Mental Health America's Regional Policy Council.
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MHANJ Advocates in DC for Housing the Homeless in NJ
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MHANJ's representatives participate in the No Housing Cuts Congressional Reception in Washington, DC.
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On July 13th, MHANJ staff and volunteers boarded buses to Washington, DC with over 350 homeless advocates from across New Jersey to participate in the No Housing Cuts Hill Day Congressional Reception. The event, organized by Monarch Housing Associates and the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, was co-sponsored by MHANJ, MHA-Monmouth County, MHA Essex County and 12 community organizations. Held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, the 3½ hour forum presented key federal housing issues, coupled with personal stories of homelessness to New Jersey's elected federal officials. US Senators Booker and Menendez and five members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegations listened to the testimonies and addressed the gathering.
Click here to read more and to access pictures and video.
Robert Kley, MHANJ's Vice President and COO, spoke of the continued lack of affordable housing and services for the homeless who need behavioral health care. MHANJ Peer Advocate Margaret Upchurch deeply moved the audience with her story of homelessness pre- and post- Superstorm Sandy, and the "unaffordability" of housing for so many with mental health issues. MHANJ has historically recognized housing as a major priority.
These types of advocacy efforts are critical to maintain the federal dollars to meet the growing need for affordable housing.
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Mental Health Association in New Jersey | 800-367-8850 | info@mhanj.org |
m
hanj.org
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