The NJ Senate Health Committee will be holding a hearing
on Thursday, August 11 on the newly introduced involuntary
outpatient commitment bill S2760 that is based on the recommendations
of the Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health. Invited
speakers only will be giving testimony. Advocates are urged
to attend the hearing (see information below) to show your
support for changing New Jersey’s law to allow persons
with a mental illness to receive needed treatment before
they descend into the depths of illness.
Background Information
Because of advances in knowledge and practice within psychiatry
and related disciplines, treatment can eliminate or significantly
alleviate the symptoms and distress of mental illness. Proper
treatment and related rehabilitation and social services,
with demonstrated effectiveness, can promote recovery, maximize
self determination and enable persons who have a mental
illness to function and enjoy all areas of their lives to
their fullest capacity. Treatment can also reduce the risk
of harm to persons who have a mental illness and others.
Despite limitations on funding, many states have enacted
laws and organized hospital and community mental health
services to achieve these ends.
High quality available voluntary treatment encourages the
timely and effective utilization of treatment resources.
Most forms of treatment are also more likely to be effective
if there is cooperation and compliance on the part of patients,
their families and significant others. But some persons
with mental illness refuse or are unable to competently
choose such treatment.
When such persons are at risk of becoming unable to safely
care for themselves because of their mental illness, but
could be safely maintained in the community with proper
treatment and supervision, it is necessary that the state
provide such treatment and supervision, authorized by a
law, with proper safeguards, which permits involuntary community
treatment.
NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2005
Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Hearing
10:00 AM Committee Room 1, 1st Floor, State House Annex,
Trenton, NJ
Chair: Sen. Vitale, Joseph F.
The purpose of the hearing is to discuss Senate Bill No.
2760 - Establishes involuntary outpatient commitment to
treatment for persons in need of involuntary commitment.
Testimony will be provided by invited speakers.
From the New Jersey Turnpike
Take exit 7A to Interstate 195 west, following it to the
end. Take Route 29 north. Exit right at Willow Street. Follow
signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light
at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first
right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking
area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.
Parking
Cars may park at one-hour or two-hour metered slots along
West State Street, or in the visitor parking lot. Follow
signs for Capitol Complex Parking.
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