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Long Term Unemployment Impacts on Behavioral Health and Families
The "Work Trends" study conducted by the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University is tracking the long term impact of unemployment on the unemployed and their families. Data shows that 73% of families indicate significant strains on family relationships, 55% demonstrate increasing anger and 67% loose contact with close friends. There are also increases in substance dependency that impact on family stability and health. Click here to read the "Work Trends" report. |
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New Jersey Census Says Poverty Increasing
The tough economy is a taking a toll on New Jersey's poorer residents, with tens of thousands more families turning to food stamps and an increasing number of children living in poverty, according to new census data. Some 215,000 households, or one in 15, received food stamps last year -- an increase of 23.2% needing assistance to feed their families. This has also placed growing pressure on county Boards of Social Services to handle these expanding caseloads. In 2010, one of every seven children in the state was considered poor. Click here for more information. |
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Learn more about
Director of Advocacy:
Barbara Johnston
bjohnston@mhanj.org
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Mental Health Medicaid Forums Provided for Consumers
The Mental Health Association in NJ (MHANJ), Disability Rights NJ(DRNJ), Coalition of Mental Health Consumer Organizations of New Jersey (COMHCO), and NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NJPRA) came together as the Medicaid Mental Health Coalition to identify a pressing need: education for mental health consumers about the changes occurring in Medicaid drug coverage. These organizations, along with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS), have hosted two forums so far, reaching over 100 consumers of mental health services.
The sessions were introduced by Lynn Kovich, Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services of the DMHAS. The panel, moderated by Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO MHANJ, included Eugene Azoia, Acting Chief Pharmacist, Medicaid; Robert Eilers, MD, Medical Director DMHAS; Joseph Young, Executive Director of DRNJ; and Barbara Johnston, Director of Advocacy, MHANJ.
Purpose of the Forum
"The goal was to explain the changes in Medicaid mental health medication benefits to consumers, to equip them with understanding and strategies to identify and cope with potential problems and to provide information about how to get help if needed," said Ms. Beauchamp. A range of topics was discussed related to changes in how New Jersey Medicaid is managing behavioral health medications for its subscribers who have mental illness. The session also included a question and answer period.
Two Additional Forums Scheduled
Two additional Medicaid Forums have been scheduled for
Medicaid mental health medication consumers and case managers. Please click the links below for more information and pre-registration contacts. Please forward the flyers to others who may be interested in attending.
February 2 -- Medicaid Forum in Parsippany, NJ
February 8 -- Medicaid Forum in Deptford, NJ |
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SAMHSA Releases New Definition of Recovery
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new working definition of "recovery" from mental health and substance use disorders. The new definition states that recovery is a "process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential."
"Over the years it has become increasingly apparent that a practical, comprehensive working definition of recovery would enable policy makers, providers, and others to better design, deliver, and measure integrated and holistic services to those in need," Pamela S. Hyde, SAMHSA administrator.
SAMHSA is seeking public comment on the definition at SAMSHA Blog. |
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Increasing Numbers of College Students Face Mental Health Issues
As reported in a survey by the American College Health Association (ACHA) of more than 100,000 college students at 129 schools across the United States, 11.6 percent of colleg e students were diagnosed and/or treated for anxiety in the past year, and 10.7% were diagnosed or treated for depression. Recent data from the ACHA indicates that the severity of illness and magnitude of mental health conditions have risen: Ten years ago, 16 percent of students in counseling had psychological conditions, today that number has increased to 44%. Click here to read more.
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Eighty Percent of Physician's Believe Addressing Social Needs as Important as Medical Conditions
A new survey of 1,000 primary care providers and pediatricians conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) indicates physicians' belief that untreated social needs are leading directly to worse health for Americans. The survey reveals that physicians also recognize that medical care alone cannot help people achieve and maintain good health if they do not have enough to eat, live in substandard housing or lack access to reliable transportation.
The report states, "Housing, employment, income and education are key factors that shape our physical and behavioral health, especially for the most vulnerable," and concludes that "leadership and commitment from health care providers, insurers and government leaders will be required to create system wide changes to support the health of Americans." Click here for additional results from this survey. |
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