Plan Calls for Wellness-Based Services and Housing for Individuals with Mental Illness in Nursing Facilities & Psychiatric Hospitals or Who Are Experiencing Homelessness
Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department of Human Services has awarded contracts to create community housing and services for adults diagnosed with a mental illness who are in a nursing facility, state or county psychiatric hospital or are experiencing homelessness.
The Department has awarded contracts to serve at least 24 adults.
The contracts – the latest in a series of initiatives by Human Services under Commissioner Adelman to focus on home- and community-based services – were awarded by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to Community Hope, NewBridge Services, Volunteers of America – Greater New York, and SERV Center of New Jersey.
“Access to timely wellness services and supportive housing in one’s own community can be transformational for individuals struggling with serious mental illness. That is why our approach to providing care for New Jersey residents includes bolstering home- and community-based services across the state, allowing us to meet our residents where they are with the level of care they deserve,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “This funding builds on the continuum of care available to New Jersey families by helping individuals in institutions and experiencing homelessness reach critical supports. I am thrilled to see this funding go to our invaluable community partners.”
“Individuals who have a serious and persistent mental illness can achieve wellness and recovery and lead self-fulfilling lives as productive members of their community,” Commissioner Adelman said. “This principle is supported by a growing body of research and knowledge in the mental health recovery field, as well as first-hand accounts from people recovering from mental illness. We are committed to providing and promoting opportunities for individuals that will maximize their ability to live, rehabilitate and refine daily living skills, and integrate into the community.”
DMHAS has a long history of seeking to develop and expand the network of community integration opportunities for persons with serious mental illness residing in nursing homes or state and county psychiatric hospitals and for those in the community with housing instability.
“We remain focused on effective, timely discharge of persons residing in nursing homes who are able to live in a more independent setting and for those who no longer require inpatient level of care in state and county psychiatric hospitals,” Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke said. “We are also dedicated to helping communities fight homelessness. Supportive wellness-based housing is so important.”
Under the initiative, first priority will be given to nursing home residents, followed by individuals awaiting discharge in state psychiatric Hospitals. Community-based referrals for individuals dealing with homelessness along with discharges from county psychiatric hospitals will be the third priority.
DMHAS Assistant Commissioner Renee Burawski said the providers will be monitored for effectiveness and must provide culturally competent programming, with input from the individuals being served.
“The individuals will be full partners in planning their own treatment, and may identify and direct activities that will most help them maximize opportunities for successful community living,” Assistant Commissioner Burawski said. “Meanwhile, these providers and their partners will work together to identify and combat barriers that may impede individuals from accessing services.”
The awarded contracts total to approximately $1.4 million.
