In an op-ed published today in the Bergen Record, Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, illustrated how New Jersey is building one of the strongest substance use treatment systems in the country and emphasized that other states should follow suit. 

Dr. Wentz highlighted some recent statistics that showed that New Jersey had fewer than 2,000 fatal overdoses for the first time in more than a decade and was 30% less than the previous year. 

“This promising reduction is no accident. It reflects years of sustained commitment by New Jersey’s leaders to expand access to treatment for substance use, strengthen recovery supports, and incorporate the perspectives of those with lived experience in crafting health policy,” Dr. Wentz wrote. 

“From robust investments in harm reduction and evidence-based medications to treat substance use to ongoing efforts to better integrate behavioral health into primary care, New Jersey is building one of the strongest substance use treatment systems in the country,” she added.

Dr. Wentz also praised the state for its backing of the Medicaid system, despite the incoming impact from H.R. 1, which will strip a ton of funding from Medicaid and impact the treatment of substance use, something that other states should take note of and emulate.

“The Garden State is showing the nation what leadership looks like. Already, state policymakers, administrators and advocates are moving swiftly to mitigate the impact of H.R. 1 and protect those most at risk,” Dr. Wentz said. 

“Mirroring many of the strategies recommended in a recent report from the Legal Action Center, New Jersey leaders are working to not only maximize exemptions from H.R. 1’s new work requirements, but to also reduce the burdens associated with reporting for both enrollees and state Medicaid employees,” Dr. Wentz added. 

Click here to read this entire op-ed piece.