(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Bergen, Passaic) released the following statement today on the recent report released by the state auditor regarding the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services:
“The sharp escalation of opioid and heroin use over the last decade requires us to take a closer look at what we as a state can do to address mental health and addiction issues.
“The audit of the Division released last week indicated a number of actionable steps we can take to ensure the needs of these residents are being met. With these recommendations, the state can move toward a more coordinated mental health system savings lives and helping residents learn to manage their mental health or addiction.
“It is time for us to recognize that there is a mental health and addiction crisis in our state and take the necessary legislative action to address this crisis head on. I am pleased that this audit gives us a blue print for where we are and what we can do to promote effectiveness and access to state programs.”