Pallone Champions Passage of Bipartisan Mental Health Legislation at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ– Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, held a press conference at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care to discuss H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, bipartisan mental health reform legislation that he helped usher through the House of Representatives last week. Recent estimates found that 1 in 4 New Jerseyans will suffer from a mental health issue in their lifetimes, and of these, only one-third will receive treatment.

“When those in need of mental health treatment can’t find it, they can easily suffer a downward spiral - getting entangled in our justice system, self-treating with controlled substances, or finding themselves living on the street,” said Pallone. “We have a responsibility to the individuals, families, and communities that struggle with mental illness and I’m proud that this bill moves us in a positive”

Debra Wentz, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies, and Michele Miller, Vice President for Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, also delivered remarks supportive of the legislation

“20% of adults in New Jersey who seek mental treatment are unable to access it and the suicide rate increased by 13% from 2012 to 2014,” said Debra Wentz. “The financial support in this legislation is greatly appreciated and is an important step towards addressing these issues. We are grateful to Congressman Pallone in helping to bring us closer to making sure treatment is available for the millions in need. However our work is not complete and there is more to be done to provide quality care in New Jersey and throughout the country.”

Pallone worked to include several provisions in the final legislation, including expanding access to mental health services for children through Medicaid. Specifically, the legislation helps ensure that children residing in an Institution for Mental Disease (IMD) are entitled to a full range of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services from the provider of their choice through the Medicaid program.”

Pallone was also instrumental in having new grant programs included in the bill that expands access to critical mental health services, including adult suicide prevention, community crisis response systems, and telehealth child psychiatry access grant programs.

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) was established in 1971 as a division of the UMDNJ and is among the largest providers of behavioral healthcare in the country. UBHC provides academically-based clinical programs and services throughout New Jersey.