Mental Health Services Action Alert

Mental health consumers in New Jersey need to let our new governor, James E. McGreevey, know IMMEDIATELY that he should keep the Redirection II Plan in tact and move ahead with implementation.

Background

Redirection II is a plan developed by the New Jersey State Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS) that calls for new funding to develop new community services, including residential programs and supportive housing and downsizing and replacing Greystone Psychiatric Hospital with a smaller enhanced State Hospital. The Plan also identifies 388 psychiatric patients in State Hospitals who are ready to live in community settings, but there are not appropiate services for them. DMHS has been working on the Redirection II Plan for over two years since former Governor Christie Whitman visited Greystone and issued statements directing the Division to either improve its deplorable conditions or close it. The Redirection Plan was developed in coordination with public hearings that provided for comments and recommendations of mental health consumers, families, advocates, Statewide Associations, and mental health professionals from around the State.

Former Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco approved the Plan, State funds were allocated for the Plan for FY 2002, but he recently froze the funds for this project. Now Governor McGreevey faces a State $2.4 billion dollar deficit and we fear that the Redirection II Plan may not be reinstated or may be modified.

Sign this petition to let Governor James E. McGreevey hear from you about this important issue:

• Consumers want and need new improved community services, including residential programs and supportive housing.
• Community services and housing are vital for recovery and help avoid hospitalization and homelessness.
• Consumers deserve decent and save psychiatric hospitals.
• New Jersey Consumers Vote!

Please be sure to return all signed petitions by 5:00 pm on Monday, January 21st to the CSP-NJ Freehold Office - 11 Spring St. Freehold, New Jersey. Please call Regina Sessoms or Jack Bucher at 732-780-1175 if you have any questions.