JERSEY CITY, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today announced $1,835,885 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support mental health services provided by the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
“The mental health challenges facing our country, especially our young people, must be addressed,” said Sen. Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy. “Whether it is a rise anxiety disorders, depression, or in the worst and most tragic cases — the loss of young people from suicide — we know that this growing crisis started long before the pandemic. This funding will help residents across the state receive the help and treatment they need.”
“The pandemic has spotlighted the importance of accessible and affordable mental health services,” said Sen. Booker. “This federal funding will help New Jerseyans access the care they need.”
In recent months, the Senate Finance Committee has held hearings on youth mental health and is developing a package of policies to address mental health in America. During a recent hearing, Sen. Menendez noted the mental health disparity that exists in communities of color and sought answers on how the government can better target resources for minority youth and ensure health care and child care providers are equipped to handle these unique challenges.
At another hearing, Sen. Menendez highlighted his bill, The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, which would address growing issues of suicide and mental health facing young people, particularly in socially and economically disadvantaged communities that have disproportionately faced disparities in access to mental health treatment and outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
