(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth), chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, released the following statement in support of the announcement by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) that $25 million in CARES Act funding will be used to reimburse mental health and substance abuse service providers for expenses related to COVID-19:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated healthcare delivery for mental health and substance abuse services. Every step providers take to keep patients and medical staff safe comes with unprecedented costs, from securing personal protective equipment to frequent staff testing to expanding telehealth capabilities.
“Now more than ever, we need providers to continue reaching those who need care. I applaud DHS for prioritizing mental health and substance abuse services in these uncertain times. This funding will go a long way in helping the over 250 providers in the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services network serve residents across New Jersey during this public health crisis, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured.”