While New Jersey has expanded services for its 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline in recent years, funding has not kept pace. Advocates say they are on a quest to offer more help.
“We received — just in June alone — over 10,000 calls to our 988 call centers,” Valerie Mielke, a Department of Human Services deputy commissioner, told NJ Spotlight News. Those in need of help can call, text or chat with the service free of charge. When warranted, trained teams can be dispatched to offer resources in person.
About 28% of New Jersey adults report symptoms of anxiety or depression. Roughly half have been diagnosed with depression, according to state health data.
“We have responded to over 1,300 individuals in just over a year alone,” said Mielke, who oversees a department area that addresses addiction and mental health needs, including the hotline.
The mental health hotline received roughly $28 million of the $60.7 billion budget for the fiscal year that started July 1. The allotment will continue to fund what Mielke’s team calls the ‘bread and butter’ of the state’s mental health services.
No money, though, was set aside for the crisis stabilization centers that are proposed as an alternative to emergency room care. Advocates say 988 and its components need a dedicated funding stream, and they backed legislation for a 40-cent monthly phone line fee as a sourde. That bill is pending in the state Assembly and Senate.
“We continue to operate the call centers. We continue to support and operate the mobile crisis outreach response teams,” Mielke said. “We continue to actively explore additional funding opportunities to support the launching and operations of the crisis receiving and stabilization centers.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or another mental health crisis, contact the 988 National & Suicide Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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