Middlesex County approves policy change to increase awareness and integration of behavioral health – Insider NJ

Middlesex County Approves Policy Change to Increase Behavioral Health Awareness and Integration

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Medical Society of NJ, the AMA and community leaders are at the forefront of integrating and delivering comprehensive behavioral health care.

Middlesex County, New Jersey Middlesex County and its Department of Community Services hosted a behavioral health policy summit, bringing together partners including Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Medical Society of NJ, the AMA and community leaders to discuss of creating health policy that supports the integration of behavioral health into primary care, to improve health outcomes for all.

This first medical student-led summit called for policies that intentionally: promote a flexible approach to behavioral health integration; hold payers and providers jointly accountable for supporting behavioral health integration; and optimize the use of technologies that target behavioral health integration.

The summit was held virtually on Saturday, November 11, 2023, featuring a keynote address from the Medical Director of the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, a panel discussion with industry experts, and a session Q&A hosted by the Middlesex County Office of Social Services, featuring: CSPNJ, the Mental Health Association of NJ, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, primary care practitioners, and a range of policymakers and advocates. Clinical professionals and medical students presented emerging research and initiatives related to behavioral health interventions, policies and processes, and health system process improvement. This event is part of Middlesex County’s ongoing efforts to increase the priority on behavioral health at the state level, local governments and our communities.

The behavioral health crisis is one of the defining issues of our time and we are determined to confront it head on, said Director of Middlesex County Commissioner Ronald G. Rios. Events like this summit are essential, providing time and space to learn from each other, share ideas, and ultimately help identify new ways to remove barriers to care and build bridges to care.

Middlesex County is committed to helping every resident achieve a better quality of life, said Claribel Azcona-Barber, Middlesex County Commissioner. One way to do this is to be proactive in educating the public about behavioral health issues and the programs and services available for help. It is also crucial that we reach out to vulnerable populations to ensure they receive the help they need.

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is pleased to co-host New Jersey’s first Integrated Behavioral Health Policy Summit, said Amy P. Murtha, MD, dean of the Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine. Our medical students benefit from learning opportunities to increase their awareness of the importance of integrated behavioral health care for their future practice of medicine, particularly in primary care practices. We must ensure that strong behavioral health education continues to be part of clinical training. Special thanks to the event organizers, including Middlesex County Government, and its supporters, including the New Jersey Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

In May 2023, the county hosted a behavioral health roundtable and workshop at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, bringing together leaders and experts from health care, mental health services, government and substance use prevention to discuss effective treatment and recovery, health policies and education to address this national crisis. Keynote speakers at this event included New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy, Middlesex County Board of Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios, New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman, and Attorney General of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety Matthew J. Platkine.

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, making it one of the fastest growing regions in the country and a leader in technology, transportation, art and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to more than 860,000 residents across 25 municipalities. Middlesex County’s award-winning, two-year magnet school system and Middlesex College maintains its position as the state’s No. 1 magnet school, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development that creates a unique ecosystem where opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County has been a premier destination for businesses and residents to live, work and play since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, andLinkedIn.

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