Middlesex County endorses policy change to forge broader awareness of and integration of behavioral health

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Medical Society of NJ, the AMA and community leaders spearhead integration and delivery of comprehensive behavioral healthcare

Middlesex County, NJ – Middlesex County and its Department of Community Services hosted a Behavioral Health Policy Summit, bringing partners together including Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Medical Society of NJ, the AMA and community leaders to discuss creating health policy that supports the integration of behavioral health into primary care, to improve health outcomes for all.

This inaugural medical student led Summit called for policies that intentionally: promote a flexible approach to behavioral health integration; hold payers and providers jointly accountable for supporting behavioral health integration; and optimize the use of technologies that target behavioral health integration.

The Summit was held virtually on Saturday, November 11, 2023, with a keynote from the Medical Director of the NJ Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services, a panel discussion with industry experts and a Q&A moderated by the Middlesex County Office of Human Services, with: CSPNJ, the Mental Health Association of NJ, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, primary care practitioners and an array of policy makers and advocates. Clinical professionals and medical students presented research and emerging initiatives related to behavioral health interventions, policies, and health system process improvement. This event is part of the ongoing efforts led by Middlesex County to bring more prioritization of behavioral health at the State and local government level and to our communities.

“The behavioral health crisis is one of the defining issues of our time and we are committed to facing it head-on,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Events like this summit are essential, they offer time and space to learn from one another, share ideas, and ultimately help identify new ways to break down the barriers to care and build bridges to care.”

“Middlesex County is committed to helping every resident achieve a better quality of life,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel Azcona-Barber. “One of the ways we can do that is by being proactive about educating the public regarding behavioral health issues and the programs and services available for assistance. It is also crucial that we reach out to vulnerable populations to help ensure they receive the help they need.”

“Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is pleased to co-host the inaugural NJ Integrated Behavioral Health Policy Summit,” said Amy P. Murtha, MD, Dean of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “Our medical students benefit from learning opportunities to increase awareness of the importance of Integrated Behavioral Healthcare for their future practice of medicine, especially in primary care practices. We must ensure that robust behavioral health education continues to be part of clinical training.  A special thanks to the organizers of the event, including Middlesex County Government, and supporters including the Medical Society of New Jersey and the American Medical Association.”

In May 2023, the County hosted a Behavioral Health Roundtable and Workshop event at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, convening leaders and experts in healthcare, mental health services, government and substance use prevention to discuss effective treatment and recovery, health policy and education to address this national crisis. Keynote speakers at that event included New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy, Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios, New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman, and New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ 

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem where opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.