NorthJersey.com, 8/8/17
By Robert J. Budsock
In his last few months as governor, Chris Christie has announced his plan to move the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Health. While this announcement has generated opposition and concern from many, I urge the state and providers to work closely to see both sides of the proposed reorganization, and to make this common-sense reorganization a reality.
As president and CEO of Integrity House, one of New Jersey’s largest nonprofit substance use disorder treatment centers, I am encouraged by the proposed integration of behavioral and physical healthcare. The integration of care not only increases access, but improves patient outcomes.
Currently, behavioral healthcare and physical healthcare are housed in two separate departments at the state level. The proposed reorganization of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services will allow for a combined, complementary treatment of behavioral health and physical health services, and thus a more comprehensive and effective approach to treatment.
Studies show that patients benefit from a combination of physical and mental care. In many cases, individuals with substance use disorders also have co-occurring physical and behavioral health disorders and treating just substance abuse without also addressing the underlying physical issues is an imperfect approach. The integration of addiction services can help bridge the gap between primary care and substance abuse treatment and improve addiction services in the state.
Furthermore, the proposal to move the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to the Department of Health will help reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects brain function and behavior and it must be treated as a health condition. Treating addiction in conjunction with chronic behavioral health disorders is a step towards eliminating the stigma surrounding addiction. This restructure will identify individuals’ needs for a comprehensive and fully integrated approach to behavioral health, and at the same time will change the conversation surrounding substance abuse treatment in a way that will reduce the stigma surrounding substance abuse to ensure people struggling with addiction are regarded with consideration and integrity.
With the opioid crisis in New Jersey getting worse by the day, it becomes more and more necessary for substance abuse treatment to be streamlined and modified to reflect today’s best practices.
I recognize this transition will be tremendously complicated. The concerns raised regarding the reorganization are valid. Moving the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to the Department of Health, must be accomplished in a way that will ensure uninterrupted behavioral healthcare services for all patients. The state must meticulously plan the restructuring of departments with the aid and feedback from all appropriate stakeholders, providers, and legislators.
This should also be done with careful consideration of other Department of Human Services (DHS) programs, such as Medicaid that will remain a large funding source for those in need of local behavioral health services. To properly transition the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to the Department of Health, the governor must ensure no unintended damage is done to the current clients and programs managed under DHS. It is imperative we do not create a divide that will result in further healthcare disparities.
I welcome a new, more flexible system that can meet the multi-faceted needs of those with substance use disorders and I hope the state can execute a smooth transition in order to build one.
Robert J. Budsock is the president and CEO of Integrity House, one of the largest non-profit providers of substance use disorder treatment in New Jersey.