New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Dr. Stephen Cha visited Integrity House in Newark on March 31, marking his first visit to a treatment provider since taking office. He was joined by Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke.
During the visit, Commissioner Cha and Deputy Commissioner Mielke toured several of Integrity House’s programs, including its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), Mobile Community Care vehicle, and Wellness Center. Together, these programs reflect the organization’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder care in the community.
They also met with program leaders and clients from Integrity House’s Pregnant and Postpartum Women’s (PPW) Residential Treatment program, gaining a closer look at how the organization supports women and families during critical moments in recovery.
Throughout the visit, Commissioner Cha and Deputy Commissioner Mielke engaged directly with clients, hearing firsthand how access to care has supported their recovery and stability. The conversations highlighted the real-world impact of these services, particularly as providers prepare for potential federal Medicaid funding changes.
Through the visit, Integrity House shared perspectives on the challenges clients may face under proposed federal Medicaid cuts, including barriers related to work requirements and maintaining continuous coverage. The discussion reinforced the importance of strong collaboration between government and community-based providers to ensure continued access to care.
“Commissioner Cha and Deputy Commissioner Mielke’s visit speaks to the critical role that organizations like Integrity House play in the health and well-being of New Jersey communities,” said Robert Budsock, President and CEO of Integrity House. “As our state prepares to navigate significant federal funding challenges, visits like this one remind us that the strongest solutions come from government and community providers working together toward the same goal.”
Integrity House remains committed to advocating for sustained investment in community-based behavioral health care and to working alongside state partners to ensure these services remain accessible to every New Jerseyan who needs them.