One of the most significant health issues in New Jersey is mental health and substance use disorders. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, one in three adults in New Jersey experiences a mental illness each year, and one in ten adults has a substance use disorder.

Mental health and substance use disorders have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities. They can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs. They can also contribute to crime, homelessness, and other social problems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health and substance use crisis in New Jersey. According to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly half of adults in New Jersey reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression in the past year. And the number of people dying from drug overdoses in New Jersey has increased by more than 50% since 2019.

Comparison to National Priorities of Healthy People 2030 Goals

Mental health and substance use disorders are also national priorities. The Healthy People 2030 goals include reducing the prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders, increasing access to mental health and substance use treatment, and improving the quality of life for people with mental health and substance use disorders.

New Jersey is aligned with the national priorities of Healthy People 2030. The New Jersey Department of Health has a number of initiatives in place to address mental health and substance use disorders, including:

• The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which requires insurance companies to cover mental health and substance use treatment at the same level as physical health treatment
• The New Jersey CARES program, which provides free and confidential counseling and support services to people with mental health and substance use disorders
• The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, which develops and implements policies and programs to address substance use disorders

Despite these efforts, there is still more work to be done to address the mental health and substance use crisis in New Jersey. We need to increase access to quality, affordable mental health and substance use treatment, and we need to reduce the stigma associated with these conditions.

Conclusion

Mental health and substance use disorders are a significant health issue in New Jersey and across the nation. We need to do more to address this crisis by increasing access to quality, affordable treatment and reducing the stigma associated with these conditions.