Kean says federal grants for substance abuse, mental health services restored in New Jersey
NEW JERSEY — Rep. Tom Kean Jr. said Monday that federal funding for substance abuse and mental health treatment programs in New Jersey has been restored following outreach to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration after local organizations raised concerns about potential grant losses.
Kean said his office engaged directly with SAMHSA after hearing from nonprofit providers that a decision could place thousands of grants at risk. The congressman said those efforts helped reverse the action and preserve funding for services that support individuals and families dealing with addiction and mental health challenges.
“Here in New Jersey, our local nonprofits are on the front lines every day, providing vital support to those struggling with drug addiction and mental health challenges,” said Congressman Kean. “After hearing directly from impacted organizations, my team immediately engaged with SAMHSA to elevate their concerns and seek clarity. I am pleased those efforts were successful and this critical funding will remain intact. As we continue to confront the real impacts of substance abuse and mental health conditions, I remain committed to protecting access to essential support services for those who need them in our community.”
“The unexpected termination of SAMHSA grant funding would have significantly disrupted prevention and mental health infrastructure that nonprofits have spent years building in our community,” said Lesley Gabel, Executive Director of One Voice of Hunterdon. “We are extremely grateful for the immediate support and effective advocacy provided by Congressman Kean’s office at a moment when critical programs that families depend on were being threatened overnight. Without this intervention, our community would have been left without essential support, placing an unmanageable strain on already limited local resources.”
“Thank you, Congressman Kean, for your role in restoring these critical services and for all you do each day on behalf of New Jerseyans and our nation. Your support has saved countless lives and will continue to do so. We are forever grateful!” said Debra Wentz, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Congressman Kean for his swift and effective action in assisting OneVoice of Hunterdon with its advocacy efforts to restore critical Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant funding,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John E. Lanza. “These funds are essential to ensuring that individuals and families in our community have access to the recovery and treatment services they need. Congressman Kean’s leadership and responsiveness demonstrate a strong commitment to public health and the well-being of our residents.”
“Federal resources are a crucial facet of One Voice’s mission to help those impacted by addiction in Hunterdon County,” said Clinton Town Councilman Ross Traphagen. “Congressman Kean’s quick actions to advocate for the immediate restoration of these grants ensures the successful continuation of One Voice’s lifesaving services including community education, evidence-based prevention resources, and youth and family programs. The preservation of this funding will benefit the Town of Clinton and surrounding communities.”
SAMHSA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides funding for programs that include suicide prevention, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, services for pregnant and postpartum women in recovery, screening and referral initiatives, and overdose prevention education for youth.
Kean also cited his work in the U.S. House of Representatives to co-introduce the bipartisan Youth Mental Health Research Act, which would establish a Youth Mental Health Research Initiative at the National Institutes of Health focused on improving adolescent mental health treatment and outcomes.
