NewBridge Services, Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, and Community Hope met this week with district office staff for U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, seeking her support for increased funding for several mental health initiatives.
“Our country is facing a mental health crisis for both youth and adults that is rapidly increasing the demand for mental health care,” leaders of the three nonprofits wrote in a statement. Enhanced funding of several federal programs could help address the crisis. NewBridge Services CEO Michelle Borden and Board of Trustees President Debbie King were among the contingent.
Increasing the Mental Health Block Grant from $1.01 billion to $1.26 billion
This block grant helps states provide comprehensive mental health services to adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbance. It funds mental health treatment and supports for people who are uninsured or unable to afford services. It is also used for services that are not covered by insurance. These include crisis management, intensive in-home services, early psychosis care, and supported education and employment services.
Increasing the 988 Lifelong and Behavioral Health Crisis Services funding from $501.6 million to $981.9 million, and providing additional funding of $255.3 million for the 988 Lifeline and $225 million to promote it
Since 2005, the 988 Lifeline has provided support to individuals in emotional distress. Its transition to the 988 dialing code in July 2022 saw an increase in call, chat, and text volume. The increased demand necessitates increased funding for its use. Yet many people are still unaware that the Lifeline exists or are unsure of what it offers. According to an April 2023 survey, only 18% of adults had heard of 988, and 26% of them were not sure of its purpose. This shows an urgent need for an education campaign.
Increasing from $9 million to $17.5 million funding for the Adverse Childhood Experiences Program within the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
This funding would enable CDC to develop a national strategy and goals to improve adolescent mental health. This includes linkages between adolescent mental health and substance use and overdose, adverse childhood experiences, suicide, and other topics that impact mental wellbeing.
Funding for Youth Peer Support Research at the National Institute of Mental Health
NIMH should prioritize research in youth peer support services and peer-to-peer counseling programs, including how to scale up such services and programs effectively. Additionally, NIMH should develop structured ways to regularly hear from young people to inform its future research priorities through its Advisory Council, strategic planning process, focus groups or similar leadership methods.
