NJ Spotlight News reports New Jersey is allocating $16 million for a phased opening of crisis stabilization centers within the state’s 988 crisis-care system.
Funding announced for crisis centers
NJ Spotlight News reported that Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration is allocating $16 million for a key part of New Jersey’s 988 suicide prevention system. The funding is intended for crisis stabilization centers that were not funded in the state budget enacted earlier this summer, according to the news outlet.
The administration announced the added funding last week, NJ Spotlight News reported. Officials said the money will support a phased-in opening of stabilization centers at locations throughout New Jersey.
Part of the 988 care continuum
According to NJ Spotlight News, mental health advocates describe crisis stabilization facilities as an important part of a broader continuum of care for people experiencing a crisis.
That continuum also includes 988 call centers, which receive calls and texts seeking help, as well as trained response teams that provide people with immediate assistance, the source reported. The new funding is focused on the stabilization-center portion of that system.
Start dates are not yet known
NJ Spotlight News reported that the Department of Human Services is working with providers to obtain more specific information about anticipated opening dates. Eva Loayza-McBride, a department spokeswoman, said the timing will depend on provider readiness and available funding.
The report did not identify specific opening dates or locations for the centers. It described the planned rollout as phased, rather than a simultaneous opening of all facilities.
Questions remain about long-term funding
Mental health advocates praised the administration for locating additional money for the long-sought centers, NJ Spotlight News reported. But advocates also said substantial questions remain about how the full 988 system will be supported over time.
According to the report, the $16 million represents only part of what may be needed to fully build out New Jersey’s 988 system. Advocates characterized the funding as potentially serving as a stopgap rather than a lasting solution and called for a permanent funding approach.
What this means for New Jersey patients
The allocation could support additional crisis-care options as centers open in phases across the state. For people looking to find treatment locally, this directory lists 163 published clinics in New Jersey.
This is general information, not medical advice.
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This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.