ADVOCACY NEWS FROM NAMI NEW JERSEY:
1. HAGEDORN CLOSING RAISES CONCERNS
2. MEDICAID CHANGES ON TRACK TO REVAMP LONG-TERM CARE
3. SPARTA PSYCHIATRIST RECOGNIZED FOR WORK WITH FAMILIES
4. LAUREL HOUSE DESPERATELY NEEDS MONEY TO STAY OPEN
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HAGEDORN CLOSING RAISES CONCERNS
New Jersey is on track for its June 30 closure of the Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital, which was the subject of a hearing in Trenton Thursday, where mental health advocates, legislators and opponents of the Hagedorn shutdown seemed to agree on one point: New Jersey should commit more money to support Hagedorn's elderly patients as they move out of the hospital and into the homes of relatives, residential facilities in the community, and other psychiatric hospitals.
Health committee chair Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) said she the philosophy of the Olmstead decision, to support the dignity and autonomy of the mentally ill, "is very desirable, but it is up to the state to implement it, and we have not done a great job."
Read more in New Jersey Spotlight:
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/12/0106/0111/
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MEDICAID CHANGES ON TRACK TO REVAMP LONG-TERM CARE
New Jersey's efforts to revamp Medicaid are on track, according to the governor's policy advisors who spoke at a conference presented by the Common Sense Institute of New Jersey, a public policy think tank. New Jersey is seeking sweeping changes to the $11 billion state and federal Medicaid program, which provides healthcare to about 1.3 million low-income residents. The waiver also envisions coordinating physical and behavioral health services for Medicaid members with mental illness, and innovative primary care programs aimed at reducing non-urgent hospital emergency room visits.
Go to the story:
www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/1221/0017
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SPARTA PSYCHIATRIST RECOGNIZED FOR WORK WITH FAMILIES
On Dec. 10, Debra Koss was honored with the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award for 2011 by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for her work in improving the lives of families and people impacted by mental illness. Koss has dedicated her personal time and profession to helping the children and families suffering while also trying to reduce the stigma that is associated with having a mental illness.
Read more:
http://www.njherald.com/story/16382798/sparta-psychiatrist-recognized-for-work-with-families
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LAUREL HOUSE DESPERATELY NEEDS MONEY TO STAY OPEN
Unlike many other states, New Jersey does not grant funds to “clubhouses,” like Laurel House which is modeled after a New York City organization called The Fountain House, one of 300 clubhouses globally that cater to those with mental illness. A safe haven where people with ongoing mental health issues can come, Laurel House works hard to fulfill this goal. With its clubhouse setting, Laurel House provides its members a place to be — to gain support, learn to work and rebuild their lives. They focus on wellness and abilities, rather than illness.
Now, key to their continuance is financial support. They will be forced to close this spring should they not find ample financial support for their mission.
Read more from the Home News:
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20120103/NJNEWS/301030015/Laurel-House-Desperately-seeking-funding?odyssey=nav%7Chead
