Funding Cuts Would Set Back Substance Abuse Recovery In NJ, Advocates Say

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — One of the largest nonprofit providers of substance use disorder treatment in New Jersey recently welcomed a top official in the Sherrill administration for a visit as it braces for potential federal funding cuts to Medicaid.

Integrity House, which has a headquarters in Newark and operates other facilities across the state, got a visit last week from Stephen Cha, the new commissioner of the Department of Human Services.

The trip included tours of Integrity House's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, which provides walk-in access to mental health and addiction treatment, and its Wellness Center, which provides a place where people can get free harm reduction supplies, naloxone, HIV and hepatitis testing, peer support and links to treatment and housing services.

Cha also met with program leaders from the nonprofit’s pregnant and postpartum women's residential treatment program, and toured its Mobile Community Care vehicle, which provides medication-assisted treatment and recovery support to people experiencing homelessness.

Integrity House staff members took the opportunity to share their concerns about the potential impact of proposed federal Medicaid cuts under H.R. 1.

Slashing funding for programs that help struggling people get back on their feet would have serious consequences, advocates say.

“Every day, we see how recovery takes shape in real life,” said Robert Budsock, president and CEO of Integrity House.

“It happens in communities, in neighborhoods, and in the moments when someone is able to access the care and support they need,” Budsock continued. “Whether that’s addiction treatment, mental health care, housing stability, or support for families, it all plays a role in helping people move forward.”

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has said federal cuts taking place under the administration of President Donald Trump are contributing to a serious budget crunch in New Jersey.

Sherrill's first proposed budget includes $7.2 billion in state funding for NJ FamilyCare, which provides health care to over 1.8 million residents, according to her office. The program is used by nearly half of the state's children, state officials said.

Sherrill also said the state will invest in new technology to help families meet Pres. Donald Trump's ''burdensome paperwork requirements," she said.

• Related: Sherrill Addresses How NJ Will Respond To Federal Medicaid Challenges

The visit from Cha was a good sign that New Jersey’s new governor is an ally in the ongoing fight for funding, Integrity House staff said.

“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,” Budsock said.

• Related: New Work Requirements For SNAP In New Jersey: What To Know

RISK REDUCTION KIOSK

Integrity House announced the launch of its Community Health Hub, a health services kiosk at University Hospital in Newark.

Located outside the emergency department, the kiosk provides free, immediate access to a wide range of essential supplies, including naloxone (Narcan), adulterant test strips, menstrual kits, personal hygiene kits, safer sex kits, wound care kits, pregnancy tests and at-home HIV test kits.

The initiative was supported by funding from the New Jersey Department of Health.

“University Hospital is a vital community resource and often a first point of contact for someone in crisis,” said Naima Briscoe, senior director of development and strategy at Integrity House.

“Through this partnership, we are extending support beyond the emergency department by providing immediate access to risk reduction and wellness resources,” Briscoe said.

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