October 14, 2003

In July of this year, President George W. Bush’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health released its report, “Achieving the Promise:  Transforming Mental Health Care in America.”  As we begin working this year on mental health reforms in Congress and in New Jersey’s Legislature, we feel obligated to bring to your attention the results of the Commission’s work, especially as they relate to New Jersey.

The Commission reported, essentially, that the mental health care system in America is “in a shambles.”  For too many Americans with mental illness, the services and supports they need remain fragmented, disconnected, and often inadequate, frustrating the opportunity for recovery.  After a year of work with national leaders, the Commission developed the following goals, which match entirely with our efforts to support Redirection II and the Partnership for Children within our Division of Mental Health Services: 

Goal 1:             Americans Understand that Mental Health is Essential to Overall Health

Goal 2:             Mental Health Care is Consumer and Family Driven

Goal 3:             Disparities in Mental Health Services are Eliminated

Goal 4:             Early Mental Health Screening, Assessment, and Referral to Services Are Common Practice

Goal 5:             Excellent Mental Health Care is Delivered and Research Is Accelerated

MHANJ continues to work on efforts to include mental health in public health preparedness, to improve the quality and quantity of services, including housing and employment, to establish a mental health advocate in New Jersey, and to improve parity in insurance coverage for people with mental illness.

As you know from working with us over the years, the Commission’s conclusion is relevant to New Jersey, as well as to most other states.  Our mental health care system is “a patchwork relic—the result of disjointed reforms and policies.  Instead of ready access to quality care, the system presents barriers that all too often add to the burden of mental illnesses for individuals, their families, and our communities.”

We’re hopeful that you will continue to work with us, as you have in the past, to realize these goals in New Jersey.  MHANJ remains committed to advocacy and education that will result truly and genuinely in recovery for all people with mental illness, as well as for their family members and those who love them.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Beauchamp

Encl:     The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health:  Executive Summary

To visit the website of the New Freedom Commission and to read its report to President Bush, go to http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov