COUNCILMEMBERS SOLOMON, GILMORE APPLAUD THE FUNDING OF CITYWIDE COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH FIRST RESPONSE PROGRAM

Jersey City, NJ – Through the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County, Jersey City has secured up to $2 million in statewide funding to enact a citywide community-based mental health first response program. The offices of Councilmembers Solomon and Gilmore supported the Anti-Violence coalition in the development and submission of the application, which will emphasize nonviolent first aid when someone is experiencing a crisis. The grant is named for Andrew Washington and Najee Seabrooks, both of whom were experiencing mental health crises when they were fatally shot by police.

“Our first application for this critical funding was denied because a politically connected firm put together a sloppy and unprofessional application — and it is because of the tireless work of Pam Johnson and her Anti-Violence Coalition that we were able to put together a second application, which was quickly accepted,” said Ward E Councilmember James Solomon. “We are extremely grateful to Ms. Johnson, as well as the family of the late Andrew Washington, who have been critical partners in developing the kind of mental health first-response program our city needs. Mr. Washington’s death should never have happened – and it is my hope that, with this program and more community-minded, common-sense reforms, it will never happen again.”

“I am grateful that the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County successfully secured funding to bring a much-needed mental health intervention program to Jersey City,” said Ward F Councilmember Frank “Educational” Gilmore. “This funding will address a significant gap in the fight for mental health awareness and intervention. Securing these types of funds has been a continuous process, beginning with our first push for programs like Arrive Together over three years ago. I also want to acknowledge community members, including Jersey City Together, whose valuable insights and persistence in educating the Ward F Council Office played a crucial role in making this possible.”

“We are honored to have secured this essential funding on the second attempt, after an initial setback. This grant will allow us to implement a truly community-centered crisis response program, something Jersey City has been needing for a long time.” said Pam Johnson Executive Director of the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County. “With this funding, we can offer compassionate, nonviolent mental health intervention to residents in their most vulnerable moments, preventing the tragedies we’ve seen in the past. Our success is a testament to the hard work of our team, the support from Councilmembers Solomon and Gilmore, and the resilience of Andrew Washington’s family, who have been steadfast advocates for change.”

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James Solomon represents downtown Jersey City as Ward E Councilmember. He’s focused on building a just city with affordable housing and improved mass transit, bicycling, and pedestrian infrastructure. He is also an adjunct professor of political science at Saint Peter’s University, New Jersey City University, and Hudson County Community College.