Keyport, New Jersey – October 2, 2024: VNACJ Community Health Center (CHC) has been awarded a transformative grant from the Health Resources Services Administration to expand critical mental health and substance use disorder services, bringing much-needed care to underserved communities in Monmouth County. With this funding, VNACJ CHC will enhance its comprehensive behavioral health offerings at the Keyport Primary Care Center, ensuring greater access to care for vulnerable populations. This expansion comes at a crucial time, as local demand for mental health and substance use services continues to rise.

“We are deeply grateful for this grant from HRSA, which will allow us to meet the growing need for behavioral health services in our community,” said Sarina Brady, CEO of VNACJ CHC. “This funding marks a pivotal moment in our mission to foster healthier communities and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to quality care.”

VNACJ CHC operates four federally qualified health centers in Asbury Park, Freehold Borough, Keyport, and Red Bank, collectively serving nearly 18,000 patients annually. This expansion is essential for Monmouth County, where the need for mental health and substance use disorder services has grown significantly. A recent community needs assessment from Bayshore Hospital reveals that 26.1% of residents in the region have been diagnosed with depression, with 38.2% experiencing chronic depression. Monmouth County also has one of the highest rates of substance use disorder in New Jersey, with 31.7 opioid-related deaths per 100,000 people.

The integration of behavioral health services into primary care at the Keyport location will provide critical access to mental health and substance use disorder services for Monmouth County residents, particularly those with limited or no access to care. This initiative will offer essential services, including mental health evaluations, medication management, and substance abuse treatment, including Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.

“Access to behavioral health care is a pressing need, especially in underserved areas,” said Dr. Ian Leber, Chief Medical Officer of VNACJ CHC. “By expanding services in Keyport, we are addressing mental and physical health and providing critical support for individuals struggling with substance use disorder. Timely treatment is essential, and this initiative ensures it will be available to those who need it most.”

With this funding, VNACJ CHC will strengthen its local partnerships, including its collaboration with Prevention Resource Network (PRN), which supports individuals facing substance use disorders by offering harm reduction services and overdose prevention education. Through this partnership, PRN will refer individuals to VNACJ CHC for mental health and substance use disorder care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, personalized support tailored to their needs.

Bayshore Hospital will contribute by assisting in the coordination of specialized treatments. Partnerships with CPC Behavioral Healthcare and Monmouth ACTS will facilitate referrals and connect patients with essential resources like housing and transportation. These collaborative efforts, supported by referrals from local organizations, including Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Discovery House, and New Hope Behavioral Health, will provide seamless, stigma-free care to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.

With the HRSA grant, VNACJ CHC will recruit additional staff, including psychiatric advanced practice nurses (APNs), behavioral health counselors, and support staff, ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality care closer to home.

By integrating these essential services and strengthening local partnerships, VNACJ CHC is committed to transforming mental health and substance use disorder care in Monmouth County. This approach addresses immediate healthcare needs and fosters healthier, more resilient communities for all residents.

About VNACJ Community Health Center

The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center, Inc. (VNACJ Community Health Center) has been integral to Monmouth County for over 27 years, providing comprehensive primary and preventative care for infants, children, and adults.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, VNACJ Community Health Center provides care at a sliding-scale cost, meaning that quality of care is never dictated by a patient’s ability to pay. Ensuring equitable access and overcoming barriers in the healthcare system is central to the organization’s approach to care.

VNACJ Community Health Centers are conveniently located in Asbury Park, Freehold, Keyport, and Red Bank. The organization works across its four locations to fulfill its mission of building healthy communities and enhancing well-being.

With a diverse and multilingual team of professionals, VNACJ Community Health Center aims to represent and reflect New Jersey’s diverse communities, focusing on expanding access to high-quality healthcare in a trusted and inclusive environment. To learn more, visit: https://vnachc.org/